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Norman Vance Obituary
Jay graduated from South Portland High School in 1966 as a football co-captain and class officer. He earned football All State status in his senior year. He graduated from the University of Maine at Orono, where he also played football and was a member of Phi Eta Kappa Fraternity. He received his Bachelor's in Education degree in 1970.
On Jan. 25, 1969, he married his wife of 50 years, Martha Chadwick. Jay taught English at Rockland High School and was an assistant football coach before obtaining his Master's in Education. He then taught English and was head football coach at MCI in Pittsfield before accepting and teaching and football coaching position at South Portland High School. After nine years, he left teaching and entered into the insurance field where he managed the Brooks Agency's Gorham office for many years. While in Gorham Jay and his son, Michael, started the Gorham High School football program. He returned to teaching and coaching at Scarborough High School, retiring in 2015.
Jay spent the next few years traveling with his wife and attending the sporting events, dance and piano recitals of his grandchildren. To them he was "Bampie" and they adored him. He was looking forward to the birth of another granddaughter in September. He had coached several of his four childrens' sports teams, spent countless hours practicing with his kids and was their biggest fan, never missing the many events they participated in.
Jay had a keen interest in literature, primarily nonfiction. He was known for his wit and dry sense of humor and was a devoted Red Sox, Patriots and University of Maine football fan. He was also an accomplished artist finding his niche in pen and ink drawings and also watercolor. He participated in Art in the Park for the last two summers.
Jay is survived by his wife, Martha (Chadwick) Vance; son, Michael J. Vance, his wife Mercedes and their daughters, Abigail and Grace of Scarborough; son, Daniel S. Vance, his wife Jacqueline and their daughters Helen and Suzanna of Bend, Ore.; daughter, Lauren Sawyer, her husband Scott, and their daughters Emma and Ava of Scarborough; and daughter Meghan Potts, her husband Nicholas and their son Bryant of Windham; his brother Stephen Vance and his wife Gloria of Harpswell and brother David Vance and his wife Nancy of Bluffton, S.C. He is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews. Jay is predeceased by his brother Philip Vance of Cumberland, Maine.
A funeral will be held Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., So. Portland, ME 04106 with visiting hours from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., funeral service from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., and a reception will follow. Interment will be held at a later date. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Vance
Peter Mcginnis
November 20, 2025
As you celebrate Jay’s birthday, may the memories of who Jay was and what he did for others remain strong in your hearts forever. Peter McGinnis- Greensboro NC
April 15, 2025
Great friend fraternity brother and team mate
Peter Mcginnis
April 14, 2025
Heavenly Father, You are the God of all comfort and peace. May Jay continue to find peace and joy in your loving arms.
Remember also the Family and friends that Jay left behind. Let your grace bring comfort to them.
Peter McGinnis
April 14, 2024
The people we love will stay in our hearts forever. Asking the Lord to bring comfort and joy to Jay’s family and friends.
Peter McGinnis
April 14, 2023
Today we are reminded how much you are missed Jay but also reminded how well you are being taken care of in the hands of Jesus.
Peter McGinnis
April 14, 2022
While your physical presence is missed by family and friends, we celebrate your Spiritual presence in the company of Jesus and the Saints. You have left many memories that will be shared by future generations.
Peter McGinnis
November 26, 2021
Heaven is full of song today with trumpets blowing in celebration of your birthday Jay. May the gentle winds in Heaven blow out your candles on your cake. May the presence of God surround your family. Peter McGinnis - Greensboro NC
John Mcalpin
April 14, 2021
R .I.P.
Peter McGinnis
April 14, 2021
Jay- You will always be remembered well! A song by Russell Watson- “Someone to remember me”
Liz
April 28, 2019
I just found out about Jay's passing. I feel horrible. Jay was my neighbor and I will remember him as a sweet, friendly man. My condolences to Martha and his entire family.
Bruce Ballard
April 28, 2019
Jay was like a big brother to me. He was my brother, Trio's best friend ( along with Tom Jordon). Jay and brother Phil had so many common denominators through life we felt like brothers anyway. Jay was a big influence in my life not only in sports but he was a great role model as a person. He will be missed by many.
Marion & David Mosher
April 25, 2019
We are so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. You and your family must be devastated. We always were so impressed with Jay's coaching and teaching while you were here at MCi. Praying your faith and love in Jesus Christ will get you through this difficult time. Love, Marion and David.
Bruce Libby
April 24, 2019
So sorry to hear about Jay. I always remember how close he was to his brother Phil and that family always came first. With deepest sympathy to the entire Vance family.
Bruce Libby (Phi Eta)
Roger Dewey
April 23, 2019
Martha, true love that goes all the way back to our high school days is a treasure that you two are so lucky to have shared. You were both always class acts and he will be missed by all. My Condolences.
Rachel Paradis
April 23, 2019
I had the privileged of having Mr. Vance English teacher when I was a freshman, and I genuinely believe that if it were not for him I would not be where I am today. I am now a freshman at Bates College, planning to major in Rhetoric. He absolutely furthered my interest in literature and novels through his witty sense of humor. As a sarcastic person myself we had a great connection, and I'll never forget what an amazing classroom environment he created. My freshman year was his last year of teaching, and it was clear how excited he was to spend more time with his family, as he worked so hard for so long. Mr. Vance was truly an incredible man who I have the utmost respect for. Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family during this hard time.
Kathy Esquibel
April 23, 2019
Thinking of all of you today, especially you grandchildren, as you morn the passing of your beloved. All of us here in New Mexico are with you in spirit. Remember it's ok to cry, it's ok to be sad. Give yourselves time to grieve. Know that you are loved and trust that time will heal your hearts. With our sincere condolences, Kathy & Edwin & Family
April 23, 2019
Martha and Family,
My condolences to you and all Jay's loved ones.Your wonderful memories will help you through these hard times as well as friends and family.He was a very nice person and certainly a respected mentor to his students and numerous teams he coached. We will not be home for a few more days and that is why I will not be at the services for Jay.Sincerely, Julie Young Willette
Jane Powers-Odenbach
April 23, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. Jay was such a kind and gentle man. All three of my children had Mr. Vance for English and had great respect for him as a teacher. Jay was so looking forward to retiring so he could have more time with his family, and was especially excited about more time with his grandkids. Rest in peace, Jay. You will be greatly missed.
Tom Jordan
April 22, 2019
Jay has been issued his wings and has slipped the surly bonds of earth. He is at peace with God now, and now with the spirit of family and friends. Bon voyage my friend, teammate, and brother.
Judi and Neal Harvie
April 22, 2019
Hello Martha and family. Neal and I are saddened to learn of Jays passing. We are not able to pay our respects in person on Tuesday so want you all to know we are thinking of you in our minds and hearts. We will always fondly remember the many laughs we shared together. May you find peace in the days ahead.
Dartha Vance
April 22, 2019
I will miss you Jay. You need to be nice to Phil. I know he can be Annoying. But you are both brothers and need to me nice to each other. I hope you and Phil are playing at a field just like Thornton heights field. Phil is running with strong legs trying to catch up with you. You are laughing with your strong laugh. I hope you are both dirty and hot and ready for a Dairy Queen.
Thomas Porada
April 22, 2019
Although I never had him for any of my classes, he was the sort of teacher you heard a lot about in Scarborough High School--not just because of the subject he taught, but also due to his amazing character. Even with so many people talking about him, though, I can't remember a single person speaking ill of him. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends, as well as my former teachers and peers who he's taught, helped and worked alongside.
The McAleneys
April 22, 2019
Our deepest condolences to the whole Vance Family.
With Love and Respect,
Pete Vickerson
April 22, 2019
Mike my deepest condolences to you and you family in this difficult time.
Jerry Stelmok
April 22, 2019
My condolences go out to the Vance family for their loss. Jay was a thoughtful, intelligent, and generous soul, who obviously touched many lucky friends, family, students and athletes throughout his life. These fine qualities were obvious even back at the University of Maine and Phi Eta Kappa in the late sixties.
Bob Curry
April 22, 2019
Jay was a classmate, friend, & teammate in baseball in junior high & high school. He was a natural leader & made everyone around him a better player as well as a better person. Our deepest sympathies go out to Martha & the entire Vance family.
Bob & Peg Curry
Bill Moulton
April 22, 2019
My sincere condolences to Martha and the family and friends of Jay. Hard to put into words what Jay was to me... He was a rock and I could always count on him to tell it straight... even when he'd tell me to stop whining :) A great friend and fraternity brother, I will look you up, Jay... when it's time.. R.I.P., my friend.....
Donna and Mark Bragdon
April 21, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to you Martha and your family. Thoughts and prayers to you all. May your wonderful memories help you through these trying days.
Linda and I at our church
Rev John B. & Linda (Shaw) Townsend
April 21, 2019
I knew Jay in So Portland Junior HS. We were in the 7th grade together and when we went into the 8th, he was a football player. I was the water boy. All in All Jay and I stayed in touch through our High School years and then I moved away. Before moving away I married his cousin - one time Jay and a few of his friends were walking up Congress St, I said hi to Jay and he acknowledged me but not Linda (His Relative). This happens in Big families.
I was a friend who cared and was a part of the family, never really close but never too far apart. I will miss him. God Bless Jay and may he rest from his labors. Martha and children, Linda and My sincere condolences. Trust in the Lord and He will direct your paths and bring you peace
Devon
April 21, 2019
Mr. Vance was my English teacher in Scarborough. He pushed the best of us and showed incredible grace to those who struggled. He believed in me enough to move me up to a higher level, the first that gave me pride and confidence in my abilities. I owe him a lot. Thank you so much, Mr. Vance. May you rest in love.
Hope
April 21, 2019
I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Vance as my English teacher my freshman year of high school. He was such a kind, intelligent man with a one of a kind sense of humor. Rest In Peace Mr. Vance you will be missed dearly.
Joann Nappi (Hamel)
April 21, 2019
Martha and family, please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Jay. Hold your loving memories in your hearts. He will always walk beside you every day, unseen and unheard but with you ❤.
Barbara Moulton-Frey
April 21, 2019
Rest now Jay.Find comfort in knowing you are rejoined with your Brother Phil and your parents. Your family and friends will teasure your memories you made on Earth. My thoughts are with your loved ones. Barbara Moulton- Frey class of 1967 SPHS and 1971, 1974 UM. Go Phi Eta Kappa.
Barbara Frey
April 21, 2019
Sending our sincere thoughts to you all. Gus and Barbara Moulton Frey (Phi Eta Kappa )
Peter McGinnis
April 21, 2019
So sorry to hear that Jay had passed away . He was a fellow Thornton Heights man. I have great memories of the friendly and spirited football games at Sawyer field . Take comfort in all the joy he brought to his family and friends and now may he rest in the hands of our Lord.
Cynde and Ben Braasch
April 21, 2019
Dear Martha and family, Ben and I have been shocked and heartbroken to hear of Jays' death. Words can't express how sad and devastated we feel for you and your family/friends at the loss of this special man. Our prayers go out to you all.
Mike and Sally Maloney
April 21, 2019
So sorry to hear, our thoughts are with you.
Martha & Peter Ollove
April 21, 2019
What a loss! Jay Vance was a kind and understanding man. Our daughter loved having him for English her freshman year at SHS and we loved his appreciation of her. His parent - teacher conferences were lively. He was definitely one of our favorites. We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to his family and friends. May memories of good times with him give you all strength. We would all do well to live a page from his book. Rest In Peace, Jay.
Bill Stevens
April 21, 2019
What a great guy. Jay and I were fraternity brothers at UMO.
As with many friends, we lost touch with each other until the advent of the internet, particularly Instagram. We reconnected there a few years ago, and I was introduced to his excellent watercolors and we stayed in touch over the last couple of years.
I am deeply saddened by his passing, but forever grateful to have known such a wonderful person.
RIP my friend.......see you on the other side.
Terry Grindle
April 21, 2019
Martha & family, On behalf of the entire Brotherhood of Phi Eta Kappa fraternity at UMaine, may I please express our heartfelt sympathy & condolences.
Bob Zinchuk
April 21, 2019
Thank you for all the great memories; Captain, big brother, uncle, and friend. Jay was a moral
Compass and a natural leader. Heartfelt condolences to Martha and family.
April 21, 2019
Mr. Vance was my English teacher at Scarborough High School, and he was one of my favorite teachers ever. He was so intelligent and such a fantastic teacher. I am so sorry for his family and send my thoughts your way as you mourn this huge loss.
Bob & Patty Johnson
April 21, 2019
Our heartfelt condolences to Martha and all of Jay's family.
Such a shock to lose someone you have known, loved, and respected for so many years.
Jay's unique art form had reached a high form and demonstrated what a talented and sensitive person
he was. Glad he was able to share it these last few years. We will all miss him very much.
Steven Banks
April 21, 2019
Jay was a wonderful man, a great teacher, and an incredible artist. We will miss him very much. May God bless and comfort Jay's family.
Steve and Taylor Banks
The Baileys
April 21, 2019
Sending our deepest condolences. Jay was such a kind and funny man. He had a passion for teaching and always enjoyed talking about a wide variety of things. We were grateful to be a part of his life.
John McAlpin
April 21, 2019
R.I.P.
William Randall
April 21, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Jays family and friends. A lot of late nights getting home for supper,over six years of playing ball.Thanks for the masterful blocking in football. May God Bless you Jay a great class mate. You will be missed by all.
Taylor Frink
April 21, 2019
A wonderful teacher and wonderful man. Not to mention an awe inspiring artist. Thinking of him and all those who are mourning his loss. xx
Denise Blain
April 20, 2019
I loved this man . He was my mentor .He taught me about life, work, and the importance of family . My life has been enriched by his presence -I am grateful to have known Jay. ❤Go Blue
Becky Delaware
April 20, 2019
I worked with Jay at Scarborough High School and respected him very much. My sincere condolences to all of you. He will be missed by all of us.
Erin Bouchard
April 20, 2019
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss him terribly.
Pat Crangle-Lawrence
April 20, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Apr
23
Funeral
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Hobbs Funeral Home - South Portland230 Cottage Road, South Portland, ME 04106
Apr
23
Funeral service
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hobbs Funeral Home - South Portland230 Cottage Road, South Portland, ME 04106
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