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Norman Carmel Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Carmel
16 Entries
L to R: Garnet, Norm, Larry, Kathy, Jack, Rob
Jack Morris
May 3, 2008
Knowing Norm
Norm and I have known each other all our lives although we didn’t realize this until just a couple of years ago. One day we were reminiscing about when we were young and growing up, as older folk happen to do, we discovered that when Norm was about 13 and I was about 3 was the first time we met. The General Electric Co in Pittsfield would have a family day for all their employees at the GEAA golf course on Crane Ave. Every year Norm would bring his ponies to the picnic and provide rides for all the younger children. Since my Dad worked for General Electric we were brought to the picnic. I can remember that being a highlight of the day and Norm remembered it as a fun time. That was the first time we met.
The next time we met were many years later when Norm and Garnet and I were taking flying lessons at the Pittsfield Airport. Anita, who thought we were all crazy, decided to be the cheering section, and watched us from afar. We didn’t know each other then but we became acquainted because of our mutual interest in flying. Our lessons just happened to coincide with each other. Things went along fine until one day when the wind was blowing at a very brisk rate. Now, you have to realize that the plane we were learning on was an ultra-light aircraft driven by a snowmobile engine.
This plane was a bit hard to steer when taxiing because all it had was a rudder for control. In order to make a turn you had to gun the engine and move the rudder in the proper direction and then immediately back off the throttle when the plane was pointed straight down the runway. Oh, by the way, the plane didn’t have any brakes. So, when you wanted to stop you had to coast until it stopped or you had to drag your feet. Well, this one day when the wind was blowing up a gale and we all were feeling good about our lessons, disaster struck.
Norm’s lesson was first. The lesson that day was practicing taxiing down the runway. When the time came to stop, the force of the wind was pushing the plane very close to the active runway. Norm couldn’t stop so he started dragging his feet. He really had his heels dug in too, but to no avail. He ran off the runway onto the grass and broke a couple of runway lights. I, as a bystander to all this, thought it was rather comical. Then it was my turn.
The same scenario was repeated for me except that I ran off the runway and down an embankment out of sight. That was the day that Norm, Garnet, and myself decided that flying an ultra-light airplane was not for us. But Norm was always willing to try something new just for the experience. How many people do we know would join the 101 st Army Airborne just to see what it was like to jump out of a plane with a parachute?
We then didn’t see each other for several more years until 1985. Anita and I were lucky enough to attend an introduction to ECKANKAR talk in Pittsfield. That night was the beginning of a friendship that has lasted for 23 years. Norm, Garnet, Dean, Linda, Tony, Nancy, and Corrine were all there to show us the divine love that’s available to us if we open our hearts to it. And the rest is history, as they say.
That was the thing about Norm. He couldn’t wait for the next opportunity to share his love and experiences. He most enjoyed talking to new people. He didn’t even have to mention ECKANKAR, or God, or Divine Love because everyone could feel the love he had in his heart. Norm always made everyone feel that they were special to him and that he was glad to see them. And in fact he was glad.
He had an easy way about him. I never new him to say anything negative about anyone. He just figured that everyone was trying in their own way to get back to God. Norm firmly believed that everyone was doing the best that they could at any given moment.
The four of us, Anita, Garnet, Norm and I have spent many, many happy times together. I have never had a truer friend. Norm showed us how to love and enjoy life. I will surely miss him and his wisdom. I loved him and he loved me.
Jack Morris
Diane Carey
April 27, 2008
Reading about Norm's death brings me back to my intern days while attending Springfield College and student teaching at Wahconah regional where I met Norm and Garnet. And wonderful memories they are..condolences to all.
Tanya Nuvallie
April 26, 2008
I worked with Norm at BaRT Charter School. He was instrumental in making this new school successful. His dedication and commitment to the students, faculty, staff and administrators was always his priority. I must admit that I learned more from Norm in two years than I have leaned from years of classroom experience. Norm took me beneath his wing and taught me what is really important in this life. His wisdom, insight and compassion are what make him a true Mentor. I will miss his wonderful personality and his optimism for life. I am truly honored to know Norm and Garnett. My sincere condolences to Norm’s family.
John and Annmarie Cicchetti
April 25, 2008
To the Family of Norman Carmel,
Please accept our sincere sympathy and prayers at this very sad time.
Norm and I started our careers in education way back in Sheffield in the Southern Berkshire Regional School District. Norman left Sheffield a year before I did for Central Berkshire but urged me to apply a year later at Central Berkshire.
In 1964, when I moved to Dalton and took a position at Central Berkshire, it was Norman Carmel who helped me make the transition. Norman was always a caring, supportive colleague and friend and a tireless advocate for children, particularly those kids in greatest need.
His leadership role in special education resulted not only in great progress for children in Central Berkshire but served as a model throughout Massachusetts.
Norman's wonderful contributions to education live on.
Walter Elwood
April 24, 2008
I read of Norm's death and I extend my condolences to his family. He was my mentor and supervisor when I was a new teacher in 1974. I fondly remember our talks and his guidance. I am sorry.
Jack Morris
April 24, 2008
Anita and I send our love. Our memories as a foursome will be with us forever. They were wonderful times and Norm will be greatly missed.
Francis Woodin
April 24, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Sharon (Carmel) Burpee
April 24, 2008
Uncle Norman was a tremendous person and his presence and contributions will be greatly missed by the community. I have not seen him in years but he has always been in my thoughts, when my Father (Bob Carmel) passed away he was extremely supportive and comforting in our time of need although I am sure he was suffering a great loss himself. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Joan Wieber
April 24, 2008
I considered Norm a friend and a mentor. His contributions to Special Needs children are immeasurable.
May memories comfort his family at this sad time.
Jennifer Vallone
April 23, 2008
Norm was the most genuine person I've ever known. I remember he and Garnet thanking me for having them over for the holidays but they belonged there. They are my family. I will miss him deeply.
Martha Parker
April 23, 2008
Renee, We are all thinking about you at this difficult time. Take care of yourself, and things will get easier with time. Love Martha
Candy Lynde
April 23, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Paul Milenski, Author
April 23, 2008
Norm was Director of Special Education when I was Assistant Superintendent of the CBRSD. Norm's program paved the way for Massachusetts' 766 Laws. Norm was one of the most able and creative educators I worked with in my 45 year educational career. As important were his gifts of kindness and wisdom given freely to others including myself. I stopped to see Norm as he drove tractor cutting his big sweeping lawn in Adams and told him how much I missed him. I miss him more now. To his family, I send my profound regrets.
Faith. E. Rockwood
April 23, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jack Domurat
April 23, 2008
Sorry to hear of Norm's passing. I was proud to work with him "way back when" with special students in the CBRSD.
My sincere condolences go to Norm's family and friends during this special time. peace
Linda Garneau (Carpenter)
April 23, 2008
I was a very good friend of his daughter Denise at Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton graduating in 1978. I remember many
good times at their home. My condolances to the family.
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