John F. "Jack" Norwell

John F. "Jack" Norwell, age 78, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at his home in Walpole, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on June 30, 1945, he was the son of the late Bruce H. and Mary L. (Costello) Norwell. As a young boy, Jack liked to take to the local ponds in the winter, lacing up a pair of skates and enjoying a game of ice hockey with friends. This fun winter activity turned into a full-time passion and led to Jack playing for Walpole High School's hockey team. Jack's skills on the ice were great enough to earn him a spot on the Varsity roster his sophomore year, playing with older and more seasoned upperclassmen. Jack finished his senior year of high school on a high note, being part of the team to win the state championship for Walpole hockey.

 

After Jack's graduation from Walpole High School with the class of 1963, he headed to Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Jack's excellent grades earned him a full academic scholarship to the college, where he continued to study hard, and play harder.

Sophomore year was again a fantastic year for Jack, making it to the "Frozen Four" on Brown's hockey team. In Jack's senior year of college, the team won the championship of the All Ivy League Tournament. While at Brown, Jack also developed a passion for golfing. Eventually becoming a lifelong member at Walpole Country club. 

 

Jack met his future wife, Beverly J. Michenzie, in the 7th grade. The pair wed on September 9, 1967, at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole, Massachusetts. Jack graduated from Brown University with the Class of 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and many fond memories on the ice. After graduating, Jack continued his hockey career playing in the New England League for the Walpole Sweepers, the Framingham Pics and the Lowell Chiefs.

 

In 1970, Jack partnered with his colleague Bob Gaulitz to purchase and operate the Sunoco Gas Station on Route 1A in Walpole Center. In 1973, Jack changed career paths, taking a sales position with Sentry Insurance. Jack was an excellent salesman and knew how to provide his clients with the best coverage for their needs and financial situations. He did so well, that in 1984, Jack decided to open his own insurance agency, partnering with his brother Peter to form Norwell and Norwell Insurance Agency. This was a risky endeavor, considering Jack's family had grown to include two beautiful children, but it was the right move to make for his family’s future. The company had humble beginnings, starting out in the basement of his home, but his reputation brought many clients to his business, and soon enough Jack and Peter were able to establish a store front for the business on Main Street in Walpole which he continued to run until his passing.

 

Jack continued skating in various men's leagues. He regularly organized tournaments throughout the country, playing with many old friends. Being on the ice was a thrill that kept him young and alive, and he loved sharing the joy that it brought to him with others. Jack's life revolved around his family, his passion for hockey, and his business, but he still found time to try new and exciting activities throughout the years. He continued to enjoy golfing, winning the title of Walpole Country Club Champion in 1980, and in the same year winning the Boston Globe Golf Tournament. In his early forties, Jack began to spend time on the slopes, enjoying the feel of fresh powder under his skis at local mountains as well as traveling out to Colorado, Wyoming, and even Canada, often with his son John. Jack and John were an adventurous pair, with the father and son duo taking flying lessons together. After many training hours, Jack put his skills to the test and successfully flew solo, enjoying his triumph over the skies.

 

Most of all, Jack enjoyed spending time with his loved ones. He was thrilled to become a grandfather and looked forward to heading to Singer Island in Florida every year for a family vacation with his grandchildren. He enjoyed taking trips both near and far, enjoying weekends away in New Hampshire and in 2018, a family trip to Portugal.

 

Beloved husband of Beverly J. (Michenzie) Norwell

Loving father of John F. Norwell Jr. and Andrea M. Preto, and her husband John, all of Walpole.

Cherished grandfather of McKayla Preto and Jake Preto of Walpole.

Brother of Mark A. Norwell, and his wife Karen, of Florida, the late Peter T. Norwell, the

late Bruce H. Norwell III, and his late wife Dorothy Norwell Coker.

Also survived by many members of his extended family, including In-laws, nieces, and nephews, as well as many wonderful friends and colleagues.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jack's Life Celebration on Monday, February 26th, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

 

All are invited to gather in the funeral home on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, at 9:00 AM prior to Jack's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in the Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street in Walpole at 10:00 AM. Interment will take place at the Saint Francis Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jack's name may be made to Old Colony Hospice at 321 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379 or by visiting https://www.oldcolonyhospice.org/Memorial-Gifts