Joseph M. Normandy Jr.

Joseph M. Normandy Jr.

Andover, formerly of Lowell; 83

ANDOVER -- Joseph M. Normandy, Jr., 83, a resident of Andover for fifty-six years died June 13,2010 after a long struggle with cancer.

Joe was very involved in the Andover school system and began his educator's career as a teacher at South School. He was the first principal at Sanborn School and continued there for 35 years. Joe retired from the school system as the principal of South Elementary School. Joe's students, many of whom are Andover residents and business people would still stop him around town would refer to him as "Mr. Normandy" or "Coach". For years Joe was also an adjunct professor at Leslie College.

Joe Normandy was born in Lowell MA. He was an outstanding high school athlete and lettered in football, basketball and track and field. He graduated from Lowell High in 1946 and then entered the Navy during the final years of WWII. He graduated from Boston University where he was the Senior Class President. He received his Bachelor of Education in 1951. He received his Masters in Administration from Boston State in 1954.

Joe is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jeanne (Moore) Normandy, and their four children, Pamela Grant of Longmeadow MA, Joseph M. Normandy, III of Virginia, Katherine Hinman of Longmeadow MA and Jill Holliday of Longmeadow MA and eight treasured grandchildren whom he adored. He is predeceased by his two sisters, Helene Normandy McCue and Elizabeth Normandy St. Pierre and both parents.

Joe's athleticism continued throughout his life. He was a swimming and diving instructor at the Vesper Country Club in Tyngsboro, he was one of the founders of the church league basketball program for Andover, and was a devoted life-long member in the YMCA. He owned and operated a boys and girls day camp on Big Island Pond in Derry NH.

During his retirement Joe volunteered his time at the Andover Public Library and was a board member for the Andover Home for the Aged. He thrilled in attending his grandchildren's sporting, drama and singing events and was exceedingly proud of all of their accomplishments. He was a music lover, a fabulous dancer and a Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots fan.

NORMANDY -- A wake will be held on Thursday from 4-6 P.M., June 17, 2010 at the Conte Funeral Home, 28 Florence St., Andover. A funeral mass will be held at St. Michael's Church in N.Andover, MA at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, June 18,2010. He will be laid to rest in a private service. Memorial contributions can be made in Joe's name to the American Cancer Society, and the National Shrine of St. Jude, 205 West Monroe St., POB 6262, Chicago IL 60680-6262. For online condolences please visit our website at www.contefuneralhomes.com