Bridgeport– Reverend Michael C. Palmer, 86 passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023. He was 86 years of age.
“Fr. Palmer is fondly remembered by many as the long-time pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Wilton, and for his contributions to Catholic education as a teacher and board member in the diocese. A quiet man with a humble sense of humor, Fr. Palmer brought a special understanding and affection to the many families he served in his long ministry.” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. “Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Palmer and for the consolation of his family.”
Michael Coleman Palmer was born on February 20, 1937, in Stamford to William and Madeline Palmer. He was baptized at Saint John Catholic Church, Stamford, and received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation at St. Cecilia Church. He attended Grammar School in the Springdale section of Stamford, Dolan Junior High, and Stamford High School.
He attended St. Thomas Seminary College and received an A.A. in 1957. Father Palmer received his priestly formation at St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester, NY, graduating in 1959 with a B.A. in Philosophy. He was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Augustine Cathedral on May 25, 1963, by Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, S.T.D.
Following his ordination, Father Palmer was assigned as an Assistant Priest at St. Thomas Parish, Fairfield. In 1965, he was assigned as a full member of the faculty of Christ the King Preparatory Seminary, Southport, and taught for five years. In September 1970, he was appointed full-time faculty member of St. Mary High School, Greenwich.
Father Palmer received an M.A. in Education (Counseling) from Fairfield University in June 1970. He also completed a period of Sabbatical Study in 1979 in the Department of Theology within the School of Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America.
In June 1971, Father Palmer was appointed Temporary Administrator of the Parish of St. John, Darien. He was appointed Associate Pastor of the Team Ministry at St. Ambrose Parish, Bridgeport in September 1971, and was appointed Pastor there in 1974.
In June 1977, Father Palmer was appointed to Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Wilton and served as Pastor for 36 years. He retired on June 30, 2013, following his 50th Anniversary of Ordination. He then became a resident of the Catherine Dennis Keefe Queen of the Clergy Residence in Stamford.
Throughout his priestly ministry, in addition to various parish assignments, he served our diocese by accepting appointments to the College of Consultors, was elected to the Presbyteral Council, and served as President of the Board of Directors of Region IV Catholic School System.
Father Palmer’s body will be received on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 229 Danbury Road, Wilton, at 3:00 pm and lie in repose until 6:45pm. At 7:00 pm a Mass will be celebrated by Monsignor Robert Crofut for the repose of his soul, and he will also be the homilist.
Bishop Caggiano will celebrate Father Palmer’s Funeral Mass on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 11:00 am. Monsignor Edward Surwilo will be the homilist. Interment will be private.
