Norman Lariviere

1935 - 2022

Norman Lariviere
August 17, 1935 – March 31, 2022
San Jose
Born to French-Canadian parents in Chicopee Massachusetts, Norman was the first person in his family to attend college, working his way through school at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. A position at an insurance company brought him to California where he settled, eventually becoming a lawyer in 1963. He was driven and ambitious, becoming a partner and then leading the practice he had been instrumental in building, before starting his own law firm. As a trial lawyer, he primarily defended large companies, a role he both embraced and excelled at, working for many notable clients. In 1972 he contributed to a historically significant case in San Jose, working pro bono as the special counsel of the San Jose Civil Service Commission to hold the police accountable for the death of John Henry Smith Jr., an unarmed African American man killed during a minor traffic stop. He won the case, and the two officers were fired as a result.
Norman had many passions that he enjoyed sharing with those close to him. Whether it was taking people out to dinner or on trips, he liked to host others. If someone expressed pleasure about a dish when out to dinner, his response would invariably be to ask if they'd like to order another. He rarely let anyone else pay the check. He was an avid reader of history and while traveling would share his knowledge, often humorously, with those accompanying him, making many long trips to museums lively and fun. Having learned French before English, he made good use of it on many trips to Paris, where he liked to explore the left bank and the city's many museums. He collected art by Californian artists, his adopted home, and was a patron of the San Jose Museum of Art, serving on the acquisition committee and donating pieces to the collection. He was also a season ticket holder at Opera San Jose and American Musical Theatre San Jose.
A lover of tennis, he bought the San Jose Swim and Racquet Club in 1977, saying that now he would "never have to worry about getting a court". He made a lot of lifelong friends there that are still members today. When his tennis playing days were over, he spent time at the club playing cribbage with the regulars, alternately lamenting or boasting about his daily wins and losses, amounts which were measured in pennies. No slouch at the game, he was known within his family for his multiple cribbage tournament victories at the Rivest family reunions.
Music held a special place in his life. While still a teenager, he would take bus rides to NYC to see the hit musicals of the day standing-room-only. As an adult, the long silence of a late-night family drive to Tahoe was often broken as he burst into song. On trips to NYC during his later years, he and Carolyn could often be found people-watching on a shaded bench in Central Park, listening to favorite songs from their playlists, and sometimes singing along.
Norman died peacefully at home in San Jose on March 31, 2022, with Carolyn holding his hand. He will be greatly missed.
Norman is survived by his life partner Carolyn Lund, his children Marc Lariviere (Laura Siegel) and Janine Lariviere (Roger Gural) from his marriage to Wendy Lariviere, his sister Jeannine Czelusniak, his sister-in-law Marilyn Lariviere, his brother David Lariviere, his grandchildren Harlan and Jasper Lariviere, Neil and Jen Matulich, Casey and Michelle Lund and their children Cora and (his special little buddy) Logan Lund and many more family members in the US and Canada. He is predeceased by his parents Willie and Florence Lariviere, his brother Edward Lariviere, his brother-in-law Francis "Corky" Czelusniak, his grandson Ellis Lariviere, and his dear friend Grayson Taketa.
A heartfelt thanks to Norman's favorite caregiver, Karissa McClure, who helped care for him during his last months.
If you want to do something in honor of Norman, donate to the arts in your community. He would love that.


View the online memorial for Norman Lariviere