Michael M. Palmisano

Michael M. Palmisano, 95, a lifelong resident of Erie, died Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Manchester Commons.

He was the son of the late Michael J. Palmisano and Celia Marnella Palmisano. He was predeased by Esterine Ferritto Palmisano, his first wife and mother of his children, his daughter Marcy Palmisano, his brother John "Jack" Palmisano and wife Albina Arduini Palmisano, and his sister Mary Ann Palmisano Burns.

He is survived by his wife Roberta Glowacki Palmisano whom he married in 1999, his children Michael J. Palmisano (wife Lisa) of Louisville, KY; Michele J. Kretzing (husband John) of Erie; and Mary Jo Palmisano of Ellicott City, MD. He is also survived by the five Kretzing grandchildren: Maria Brosnan (Riley), Natalie Elliott (Brian), Catherine, Libby and Johnny, and one great-grandchild: Warren Brosnan. Survivors also include his sister Susan Forquer (husband Russell); his brother-in-law Bill Burns of West Chester, PA as well as nieces and nephews. In addition to his many friends Michael leaves behind his dear cousins from the Palmisano, Scolio, Scibetta, Pistory, Restifo and Marnella families.

Michael graduated in 1948 from Cathedral Preparatory School, Erie; in 1952 from Saint Bonaventure University, Olean, NY; and in 1955 from the Dickinson School of Law, Carlisle, PA.

After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he joined the Carney and Carney Law Firm in Erie. This was followed by an appointment as an Erie County Assistant District Attorney, serving with D.A. Edward Carney and D.A. Assistants Lindley McClelland, Richard Brabender, and William Pfadt. He served two years as District Attorney when Atty. William Pfadt was elected a Judge of the Erie County Courts. At the request of then Erie County Executive Robbie Robison, Michael was appointed Assistant Public Defender. He was subsequently appointed Public Defender by then county Executive Judith Lynch. With an appointment by then Governor Tom Ridge, he became a Judge in the Erie County Court of Common Pleas. In retirement he was called upon for court-appointed cases and special commissions. Michael served as President Judge while on the bench.

Upon retirement he offered his services to the Erie County Bar Association, including a term as President. In 2011 Michael was honored by the Erie County Bar Association with the Chancellor of the Year award in recognition of his contributions with respect to ethical practice, attitude toward the courts and fellow lawyers, and participation in both civic and community life.

Friends may call at the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street, Erie on Friday (8/22/25) from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., and may attend a prayer service there on Saturday (8/23/25) at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at Saint Peter Cathedral, 230 West 10th Street, Erie. A burial service will follow immediately at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 5711 West Lake Road, Erie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Peter Cathedral, Erie; Saint Bonaventure University, Olean, NY; and the Barber National Institute, Erie.