Norman David Harkins

Norman David Harkins, 86, of Westford, MA, passed away on October 26, 2024, at UMass Memorial Hospital in Marlboro, MA surrounded by those he loved.
He was the devoted husband of Constance E. Harkins, with whom he would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on September 11, 2025.
Born in Woburn, MA and raised in Westford, Norm was the beloved son of James F. and Doris E. (Fader) Harkins. He graduated from Westford Academy and went on to earn his degree from Merrimack College, and continued his education at Rivier University. He had a successful 55 year career at Raytheon in the Missile Systems Division which gave him the opportunity to travel the world.
Norm can best be described as a person who loved everyone and everyone loved him. He was known for his warmth and kindness, with many friends who cherished his company. He loved and adored his grandchildren, and took great pride in his family.
He had a deep appreciation for nature, gardening, music, theater, and travel. Finding joy in trips to New Orleans, Washington, DC, Cape Canaveral, York and Kennebunkport, ME.
Besides being a dedicated employee and community member, Norm volunteered extensively and was honored with several awards, including the "Man of the Year" Award presented to him in Washington, DC. Norm was strong in faith and a member at the United Methodist Church in West Chelmsford. He was President of the Parent Council for the Westford elementary schools and active in town politics, including the Westford Town Committee. Norm ran the Westford Youth Softball League, was captain of the Raytheon Running Team, and a Boston Marathon volunteer for many years. He volunteered with NEADS, which trains service dogs for veterans and disabled Americans. Norm was a proud US Air Force Veteran and served honorable during the Vietnam War. He was passionate about supporting the military and veterans seeking better lives. Norm proudly served as the President of the Association of the United States Army, Minuteman Chapter. Supporting the U.S. Military and their families was his true passion.
Besides his wife, he is survived by daughters Kimberly A. and her husband Russell Widmer of Merritt Island, FL and Kristen L. and her wife Rachel Harkins of Clinton, MA, as well as two granddaughters Lindsay and Lauren Widmer of Florida.
He is predeceased by his siblings James Harkins Jr., Edward Morris, Violet Fader, Beverly Ralphs, and Dorothy Pierce.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Visiting hours Thursday October 31, 2024 from 2-5pm at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX STREET, NORTH CHELMSFORD, MA. Funeral, Friday at 1PM at West Chelmsford United Methodist Church. Burial in Fairview Cemetery, Chelmsford, MA. Reception will follow at Il Forno Restaurant 529 King St. Littleton, MA. Memorials may be made in his name to NEADS World Class Service Dogs www.neads.org PO Box 1100 Princeton, MA 01541 ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME (978)-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com