Robert Chester "Bob" Norman

Robert "Bob" Chester Norman, 90, of Simsbury, CT, formerly of Auburn, MA and Venice, FL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. He was the devoted husband of Jacqueline Ruth (Averka) Norman for 62 years. Born in Worcester, MA on May 13, 1935, Bob was the son of the late Chester and Margaret (Listowicz) Norman.
Bob grew up in Millbury, MA and graduated from Millbury High School, Worcester Academy, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics. He was co-owner, along with his brother Leonard, of the family-run Town Line Restaurant in Millbury, MA. Known for its signature fried chicken, Sizzler steak, and seafood dishes, the Town Line grew from a small restaurant into a well-loved restaurant and banquet facility serving many patrons, local clubs and organizations. After a devastating fire in 1977, the property was later sold, and Bob went on to establish Landscape Design by Norman, which he operated in Massachusetts and Florida until his retirement in 2008.
A longtime resident of Auburn, Bob was a dedicated member and past president of the Auburn Rotary Club. He cherished time spent at Manchaug Pond in East Douglas, MA, where he enjoyed water skiing, boating, and fishing from childhood into adulthood. He also served as a past president of the Manchaug Pond Association.
Bob's love for sports was lifelong, and he took joy in supporting the athletic endeavors of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His passions-beekeeping, gardening, and cooking-were hobbies he eagerly shared with his family.
In retirement, Bob and Jacquie wintered in Venice, FL, where they were active in the Venice Garden Club, the Venice Community Center, and the local Rotary Club. Bob enjoyed bowling, shuffleboard, visiting the beach, and gardening with tropical plants around their home.
Remembered for his warm humor, generous spirit, and ability to make everyone feel welcome, Bob touched many lives. He will be deeply missed.
Bob is survived by his son, Jay Norman and his wife Sandra of Auburn, MA; his daughter, Rev. Chris J. Dion of East Granby, CT; four grandchildren, Dana Norman of Auburn, MA, and Nathan Dion and his wife Melissa, Lindsay Dion, and Caitlyn Dion, all of East Granby; and four great-grandchildren, Mark, Emma, Sean, and Jack Dion, also of East Granby. He also leaves his brother, Leonard Norman, and his wife Joan of Auburn, as well as five nieces and four nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Jacqueline, and his son-in-law, David R. Dion.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church's Bethel Lutheran Church campus, 90 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Auburn, MA, on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. A recording of the service will be available thereafter at Grace Lutheran - YouTube. Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home in Granby, CT has care of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit, www.carmonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life Team that Bob continued to attend and support: https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR/RelayForLife/RFLCY26NER?pg=team&team_id=2822822&fr_id=111578.