Norman H. Blaney

Mr. Norman H. Blaney, former Building Inspector for the City of Melrose and a longtime resident, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill. He was 81. Born in Calais, Maine on November 15, 1930, he was one of seven children of the late Merle A. Blaney and Marjorie P. (Greenlaw) Blaney. He was raised in Calais, where he graduated from high school. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War. While in the service, he met his future wife, Constance G. Savage, while travelling on the train from Maine to Boston. They would marry on June 20th, 1953 in Wakefield, settle in Melrose with their two daughters, and enjoy a devoted marriage of 52 years. Norman, well known as "Norm," trained as a Pipefitter in the Navy learning the skills to launch his career as a Master Plumber. After his honorable discharge in 1954, he graduated from the Wentworth Institute in Boston and soon started his own business in Melrose, Norman H. Blaney Plumbing & Heating. Norm loved studying and was constantly looking to learn more to further his career. His wife, Connie, served as the business' secretary, answering phones, and sending out the bills. Looking for a new challenge and after receiving the highest score on the state exam, Norm was accepted as the new the Plumbing & Gas Inspector for the City of Melrose. Later, he served as both the Building Inspector and Plumbing & Gas Inspector. In his spare time, Norm loved reading, especially the Wall Street Journal, being a loyal friend to people young and old, and spending time with his family. Many summers, they vacationed in Naples, Maine where they enjoyed boating and waterskiing on Long Lake. An athlete in his youth, Norm loved travelling to watch his grandchildren play sports. He was always coaching them, famously getting closer and closer to the bench to give them tips on baseball, basketball, or even field hockey. Mr. Blaney loved food. He found great joy in making all sorts of food, but according to him, his corn chowder and applesauce were the best. He also enjoyed his travels to Alaska, the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. After working for the City of Melrose for 20 years, Norm retired and worked for Gray's Appliance in Melrose. He was a member of the Melrose Rotary Club for many years, the Wyoming Lodge AF&AM, and served on the Rainbow Girls Advisory Board. His other great love was helping children. He was very involved with the Special Olympics, where he enjoyed the yearly softball tournaments. The neighborhood kids especially loved Mr. Blaney's "tooth parties." After anyone lost a tooth, Norm would arrive with his favorite ice cream, Rum Raisin, and would arrange to have an ice cream party to celebrate the lost tooth. He was a great person, friend, grandfather, father, and husband. He will be missed and always lovingly remembered. Mr. Blaney was the beloved husband of the late Constance G. "Connie" (Savage) Blaney with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. Devoted father of Marjorie L. "Marge" Leahy and her husband William of Windham, NH and Elisabeth G. "Beth" Bryan and her husband Scott of Windham, NH. Dear brother of Rhea Geringer of Baja, Mexico, David Blaney of Augusta, ME, Merlene Goldsborough of Abel, MD, and the late John, Charles, and Barbara Blaney. Cherished grandfather of Meghan E. Leahy of Medford, Brenna L. Leahy of Charlestown, John N. Bryan and his wife Aleshia of Holden, and Elisabeth M. Bryan of Windham, NH. Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Norman's life for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, August 9 from 4-8 PM, and again for his Funeral Service celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM. Interment with military honors presented by the US Navy at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Gifts in honor of Norm may be made to the Melrose Rotary Club, PO Box 761196, Melrose, MA 02176 or in recognition of their outstanding care, the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 North Ave., Haverhill, MA 01830.