Joseph Michael Palmese

Joseph Michael Palmese, 72, of New Hartford CT peacefully passed away on January 12th, 2025 after a long illness. A sincere and selfless man, Joe lived a quiet, uncomplicated life, and although an only child, he was never a lonely one. He had a handful of close friends who he chose wisely and who appreciated the simplicity and serenity of his humble lifestyle.

Born in Mineola, NY on September 3, 1952, he was the son of Joseph John Palmese and Anna Schultz Palmese. In 1977 Joe graduated from CW Post Long Island University with a Bachelor's of Arts. After graduation he worked for a number of companies on Long Island. When his father died, Joe honorably and immediately stepped up and took selfless care of his mother, in their home on Long Island. Joe remained there caring for his mom until the end of her life.

After a period of time, Joe felt it was time for a change. One of his close friends who had relatives in Farmington, CT, suggested the area as a pleasant alternate with a rural feel, more serene than his suburban town on Long Island. As a result, in 2004, Joe sold his LI home and moved to New Hartford, CT, where he lived happily and comfortably until his passing.

Joe was a member on the Homeowners Association Board and the community there cared and supported him in his battle with his illness. While there, Joe continued to fulfill one of his greatest pastimes, which was gardening. He not only adorned his small property with blooming flowers, but he had one of those green thumbs which enabled him to grow plants and vegetables as well. He was good at growing, but also at giving. His friends were welcome recipients of his hard work in the earth. Additionally, Joe was an avid Civil War buff who was well acquainted with its military history.

Throughout this life, Joe was known for his compassion and has always been a kind friend to animals, specifically feline ones. Periodically, he took in stray cats, and gave them a home, and sustenance, and love. So it is no surprise to anyone who knew him that Joe donated generously to a national organization called Alley Cat Allies, whose simple creed is “advocacy and action” for the humane treatment of cats.

The story of this benevolent person was the successful sum of the life of Joseph Michael Palmese. He will sadly, but fondly be missed by his friends, as well as those fortunate felines who happened to enter Joe’s Garden. This is a garden of life that will never wither from the memory of all who were also lucky enough to know the man, who his friends simply referred to as just Joe.

Goodbye, Joe. See you around.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity, or Alley Cat Allies.

A memorial will be held at a later date.