Norman Carl Powers

Norman Carl Powers, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at home on December 2, 2025, at age 85, following complications associated with atypical parkinsonism. Born at his childhood home in Derby, Vermont, on December 29, 1939, Norman was the second of seven children of his devoted parents, Kenneth and Esther (née Davignon) Powers.

After graduating high school, Norman joined the U.S. Navy, serving proudly as a medic stateside and in far-flung places, including Naples, Italy. During his years in the Navy, he also studied nuclear medicine and x-ray technology in Chelsea, Massachusetts. After marrying his wife, Susan, in 1965, the couple settled in her home state of Maine, where their daughter, Alicia, was born and raised. After nearly 20 years working in the hospital setting, Norman grew disillusioned with his career in nuclear medicine and chose to pursue a new path, ultimately spending 22 years with General Dynamics Corporation in Bath, Maine, until his retirement in 2004.

Following the birth of their first grandchild, Norman and Susan relocated to Connecticut to join their daughter and son-in-law in 2004, proudly embracing their new roles as enthusiastic (and largely unpaid) child care providers. Later, after it was gently suggested that he might benefit from a more structured challenge in retirement "outside the home," Norman decided to deliver groceries to "older folks in need," a phrase he used often and with full sincerity, despite being older than many of the clients he served. In doing so, he came to know the backroads of Connecticut better than most, carrying out this work for nearly fifteen years, just shy of his 80th birthday.

Norman was a lifelong learner, and his curiosity extended even into the spiritual realm and the mysteries of the afterlife. He was a voracious reader, a flower gardening enthusiast, and a devoted fan of any documentary exploring nature and the outdoors. Most importantly, he brought his Northern New England work ethic to everything he did, both personally and professionally, and he passed that drive on to everyone around him, whether they wanted it or not! Growing up in the rural Northeast Kingdom of Vermont instilled in him grit, a respect for hard work, and an unwavering devotion to the finest carbohydrates known to humankind. Homemade doughnuts, freshly baked bread, and anything sweet were among his greatest joys, and he approached them with the same tenacity he brought to every other endeavor in his long life.

Despite the progression of his disease, Norman's sense of humor stayed sharp right to the end. He often quipped that if he had to choose a moment to make his earthy exit, it might as well be during a Donald Trump presidency, an era he felt was marked by a striking absence of core values, particularly integrity and humility.

Above all, Norman possessed a steadfast loyalty and love for his family, qualities that defined him just as much as his strong-willed nature. He leaves behind a family who adored him, along with countless stories that will continue to bring comfort in his memory. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Susan (née Sidelinger) Powers of Middlefield, CT; his daughter, Alicia Powers, and son-in-law, Jorge Martin Acevedo, also of Middlefield, CT; his grandchildren, Evan and Lauren; his sister, Jane (née Powers) Moulton; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as his siblings Richard, Larry, Dale, Robert, and Charlotte. We will carry his presence with us, attentive to the subtle ways he remains near us in our daily lives.

A private graveside service and burial of ashes will be held in West Charleston, Vermont, in the Spring of 2026, where he will join his beloved parents and other family members on a peaceful hillside in Northern Vermont. The family would like to acknowledge that they could not have managed the past year and a half without the unending support of his sister, Jane. Her regular visits and the care she provided are gifts they can never fully repay. They also wish to extend heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated team at Middlesex Health Hospice, whose extraordinary compassion and partnership carried them through this journey, and to Norm's trusted primary care physician of many years, Dr. S. Jonathan Siegel, for his personalized care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Middlesex Health Hospice Program, Middlesex Health, Office of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457. Contributions can also be made online at MiddlesexHealth.org/hospicedonation or by phone at 860-358-6200.