Ronald Noel Normand, 87, of Marion and Plymouth, passed away peacefully on June 6. He was married to Patricia (Connors) Normand for 64 years. He was predeceased by his parents Everett Normand and Germaine (Jobin) Normand also of Marion.
Ron was born in 1938 and lived in Marion for 40 years. He was a graduate of Fitchburg State College, where he met his wife, Patricia. He also earned a master’s degree in education from Bridgewater State University. Ron was a beloved teacher at Old Rochester Regional High School for 25 years, sharing his passion for learning with thousands of children over the years. He not only shared his love of history with his students, but also his love of sports. At various times in his teaching career, he served as the ORR boys’ baseball, soccer and golf coach.
After retiring, Ron and Patricia moved to Plymouth and began to fulfill Ron’s lifelong goal of exploring every nook and cranny of the U.S. with historical significance. When not traveling, he would be immersed in political or spy novels, cheering on his beloved New England sports teams or maintaining his lawn of envy.
Family and friends enjoyed Ron’s wry sense of humor. He reveled in playing the role of devil’s advocate often snaring the unsuspecting visitor with an innocuous “so what do you think about….” His friends, children, and grandchildren spent countless hours in both earnest and lighthearted verbal duels with Ron.
He is survived by his wife and four children: Ronald F. Normand (Sandwich), Suzanne Barrett and her husband Patrick Barrett (Annapolis, MD), Kerry Hayes (Marion), and Elizabeth Hiller and her husband Andrew Hiller (Marion), as well as his cherished grandchildren Jennifer Barrett, Allison Barrett, Megan Hayes, Connor Hayes, Emily Hiller, and Drew Hiller.
Ron left a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing him. The family is deeply grateful for the wonderful care Ron received at Laurelwood.
A memorial service will be held at St. Bonaventure Church in Plymouth at 10 a.m. on July 24. A reception will follow at the Great Island Clubhouse, 140 Great Island Road, Plymouth.
Arrangements entrusted to the Cartmell-Davis Life Celebration Funeral Homes.