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JOHN NORRIS Obituary
John was born September 1, 1937 in Boston, MA. After graduating from Brookline High School, he attended Kimball Union Academy and graduated from Norwich University class of '60, where he was one of the last 12 letterman scholar athletes.
He was married to his high school sweetheart, Gail (Carolan) Norris for 57 years. Together, they had two children, Carolan and Jay, who were the center of his life. John was loved by all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. He will always be remembered for creating nicknames for those he loved.
John was the head baseball coach and professor at the University of Rhode Island. After retiring, he enjoyed time with family, golfing, and reveling in his three grandchildren's activities.
John is survived by his loving children, Carolan Gail Norris of Providence, RI, and Jay and Mary Norris of Cumming, GA, his adoring grandchildren, Carolan Winters and Ali Little, and the late Stephen MacGregor Norris. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathleen Reddish and Nancy Varnum, and the late Thomas Norris.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 10, at 11am, at St. Francis of Assisi, 114 High Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Burial will take place Friday, October 11, at 11am at Holyhood Cemetery, 584 Heath Street, Brookline, MA.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org or to Norwich University in memory of John Stephen Norris '60, care of the Development Office, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663, https://alumni.norwich.edu/give/JohnStephenNorris For guestbook and condolences, averystortifuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN NORRIS
April 29, 2020
John was like a brother to me as was Tom. John and I played three sports together from grade three through high school.He will be missed. God Bless, Allan S
Greg McCarthy
October 27, 2019
My sincere condolences to the Norris Family. As I was at URI Homecoming this past weekend, I was sad to hear about the passing of Coach Norris. I played for Coach from 1982-86 and have always appreciated the opportunity Coach gave me to part of the Baseball Family at URI. I will always cherish those years. Rest In Peace Coach.
October 14, 2019
I played on the Norwich football team with
John in the mid fifties. He was a great teammate and good friend. My condolences to
his family. He was truly one of the Good Guys
and will be missed.
With sympathy,
Nick Spagnoli
Charlie Ritter
October 13, 2019
Our condolences to the Norris family. John was a great man and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, John.
Charlie and Barbara Ritter
October 13, 2019
To the Norris Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. A great man and coach and always fun to be around. Enjoyed competing against him and having him work at the Rhode Island Baseball Academy. So many youth benefited from his instruction. Whenever I attended a URI game in recent years you could always see John and him telling you he had the best parking spot of anyone. I only hope the University recognizes that dedication and commitment in a special way.
Art Pontarelli
David Rackie
October 10, 2019
My condolences to the Norris Family. I played for coach 81-85. Good coach - good person. Will miss seeing him in right field eating peanuts and watching URI baseball when my dad and I would catch a game each year.
Joe Zalobowski
October 10, 2019
My condolences to the Norris Family. Coach was a wonderful person. I played for Coach in 83 and 84, some of the highlights of my life. RIP Coach.
Dave Morris
October 9, 2019
Coach Norris will be missed. He was a wonderful person and quite the character who was always a lot of fun to be with. I enjoyed my time coaching with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Norris family. God Bless.
Dave Morris and family
Rick Mundy
October 9, 2019
I had what, I felt, the great honor of being on Coach's team at URI, from 1974-1978. He lived the principles of honor and respect. A loss on the field was never as important as keeping the dignity of giving it our all and keeping our heads up. Coach had a way of getting the best out of us, and though he raised his eyebrow a few times at our shenanigans, he knew the respect we had for him. Jay, I remember your travelling with us, you were quite young, but you were fun to have you with us. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dick Cronin
October 8, 2019
John you will be missed. Rest in piece my friend. Dick Cronin
October 8, 2019
Sorry for your loss. Robert Svoboda'58
Shirley McDonald
October 8, 2019
Dear Nancy, Cathy and the Norris Family,
We are so sorry to learn of the passing of John.
We hope that all the wonderful and happy memories of him will help in these difficult and sad days ahead.
With sincere sympathy,
John and Shirley McDonald
Joe Campagna
October 7, 2019
John- You wrote a note to UMass baseball coach to give me a shot on the team. Then you advised me when I became coach at Brookline High years later. I last saw you at your wife's service. Now you have joined her. You led a good life, had a great sense of humor, lots of friends and are part of the great BHS sports history. Rest in peace coach.
John Copeland
October 7, 2019
John Norris brought humor into each day. I treasured every minute that we shared. He will be greatly missed. As John would say "chirp, chirp".
John Vanner
October 7, 2019
It was my pleasure to work with John in the PE department as well as his boss when I became his Asso, AD. Coach got it, we all work to make our students great citizens. The third base line will not be the same. Rest in Peace Coach.
Andrew Hennessey
October 6, 2019
RIP John. To many memories to count. Wonderful man in every way. My thoughts and prayers goes out to Jay and Carolyn.
David Nedwidek
October 6, 2019
John had a rare ability to make us laugh, and to chirp convincingly like any number of birds. As a coach and as a friend he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Personally I will always be grateful for his advice and steering me in the direction of Kimball Union many years ago. It made a difference in my life. I am sure there are dozens of others out there who could make the same claim. Thank you Johnny.
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Avery-Storti Funeral Home & Crematory - Wakefield88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI 02879
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