Michael Anthony Palmer

Michael Anthony Palmer, 67, of Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025. He was born on October 19, 1957, in Chapleton, Jamaica, to Henry and Catherine Palmer. He attended St. Jago High School in Spanish Town. He later went to Cuba where he furthered his education in physical education. Michael had a heart for service, which was enhanced and strengthened by his educational achievements. He taught in Jamaica for several years where he specialized in coaching high school students to become their best in sports by assisting them to enter national and international boys' and girls' athletic competitions. Michael later migrated to the US in 1995, where he worked at the New York City Fire Department as a Trainee Evaluator. After that he worked at the Boys and Girls Club in Queens, New York, as a director. Subsequent to this, Michael moved to Connecticut where he earned a Master's Degree in Social Work from Central Connecticut State University. He worked as a Social Worker Investigator at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, devoting his life to providing services to children and their families for the next 17 years before retiring. He spoke Spanish fluently. Michael loved sports, especially soccer and basketball, and was both a loyal Knicks fan and a supporter of the Boston Celtics. Some of his most joyful times were spent at NBA games or watching the playoffs with his children, Renée and André. Basketball was also something that bonded Michael and André especially closely-they spent countless hours playing together, sharing laughs, and building memories on and off the court. Michael also loved watching both Renée and André compete in their own games, cheering from the stands, and taking the time to train them, teaching not only skills but also discipline and perseverance. Michael also loved simple and meaningful outings. He often took André out to eat or to the movies, making sure those father-son moments were a regular part of their lives. These everyday experiences became cherished memories, reminders of the time and care he invested in his children. Michael loved to travel and made many wonderful memories with his family, from road trips to Disney World to celebrating milestones like Renée's college homecoming in North Carolina. He was especially close with his sister Joan and his mother Catherine, and he carried a deep love for his family and his Jamaican heritage. Michael leaves behind not only fond memories but also lessons of hard work, generosity, the importance of education, and the value of what it means to work and become successful. His legacy will continue to live on through the lives he touched and the family who loves him-especially in Renée and André, who carry forward his love, values, and spirit. He leaves to mourn his passing, his mother Catherine Palmer, his children Andre and Renee, his sister Joan, grandkids Asia and Kyra, nieces Yvette and Taylor, nephews Ricardo (Ricky) and Ronny, aunts Lorna (Percival), Maggie (Jerry), Beverly and Kareen (Neil), uncles Trevor (Fay) and Newton, and a host of cousins, and other relatives. He is also survived by his dear friend and former spouse, Sharon. He was predeceased by his son Gary, father Henry, and sister Eunice. May we remember Michael with gratitude, love, and peace.