Don L. Palmer, Sr. died peacefully at home July 29, 2012. He was born in Bellaire, OH, January 7, 1931 to parents George M. and Margaret E. (Travis) Palmer. He served in the US Navy from 1948 to 1952, which brought him to Connecticut where he met and married his loving wife of 61 years, Helen (Merlino) Palmer. He stayed in Connecticut to raise his family and lived in Manchester most of his life. He worked for Pratt and Whitney for 35 years, retiring over 20 years ago. Besides his wife, he is also survived by his sister Beverly Romish of Shadyside, OH. He was pre-deceased by his younger brother Jerry W. Palmer of York, PA. In addition, he is survived by his two sons and their spouses, Don, Jr. and Karen of Bolton, and Paul W. Palmer, Sr. and Linda of Coventry; five grandchildren and spouses, Paul W. Palmer, Jr. and Amy of Manchester, Laura Ayasse and Bryan of Lebanon, Kristina Hikade and Jon of Brooklyn, NY, Allison Palmer of Manchester and Julie Palmer of Newington; great grandsons Dylan and Cody Ayasse, and step-great granddaughter Madeleine Hikade. He also leaves four sisters-in-law, Linda Palmer, Adeline Bennett, Mary Hellandbrand, and Elizabeth Warmolts, and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was an avid sports fan and participant. He played both fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball for many years, bowled in various leagues, and played pick-up volleyball at the Aircraft Club after retirement. He tirelessly rooted for UConn Husky basketball, the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. He was always eager to "see what was biting" whether it was spin casting for bass in a pond, bottom fishing in a river for catfish, or the annual spring ritual of shad fishing at Bart's. His most treasured fishing experiences were when he would go surf casting for striped bass in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with his beloved little brother. Don had an irrepressible sense of humor. Whether it was an odd look, a funny face, or a purposely mispronounced word, he never tired of trying to make his family laugh, even into the last weeks of his life. He took great joy and interest in everything his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren did. He will be deeply missed by all his family. Don's family would like to offer a special thanks to the staff of Masonicare Hospice for all of their care. Funeral service will be held on Thursday (August 2nd) at 11 am at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester followed by burial in St. James Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6-8 pm and Thursday morning from 10-11 am. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.