1926 – 2019
Putnam, CT – Normand Phillip Despelteau, age 93, of 366 Church St., Putnam, CT, died on September 5, 2019 of natural causes. He was born on May 16, 1926 in North Grosvenordale, CT, a son of Louis Phillip Despelteau and Marie Louise Fagnant Despelteau. His wife, Teresa (Lagrandeur) Despelteau, died September 19, 2006.
He was a graduate of St. Joseph Grammar School and Tourtelotte Memorial High School. He later graduated from Putnam State Trade School in the Mechanical Drafting and Machining Departments. He also received specialized training in that field at United Aircraft Co. in Hartford, CT.
He was a veteran of WWII, serving with the 13th Jungle Air Force in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the Victory and the Good Conduct Medals. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 15007 and the American Legion Mayotte Viens Post 13 in Putnam. After his tour of duty in the Air Force, he worked at United Aircraft in Hartford, CT, Roger Cramer Corp. in Killingly, CT, American Optical Co. in Southbridge, MA, and the final 33 years at A&M Tool and Die Co., in Southbridge, MA, retiring in 1988.
Surviving are two daughters, Ann Louise Despelteau of Tampa, FL, and Norma Lynne Bouchard (Robert) of McMurray, PA; and a son, James Philip Despelteau (Lynn) of Exeter, NH. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Matthew (Christina) Bouchard and Jason (Melissa) Bouchard, Nicole Despelteau and Emily Despelteau; two great-grandchildren, Hudson and Asher Bouchard; and many nieces and nephews. Deceased are six sisters, Yvette Duquette, Emily Despelteau, Bella Despelteau, Jean Crum, Gabrielle Auger and Rolande Bartlett, two brothers, Louis Despelteau and Bernard Despelteau, and one grandson, Robert Bouchard Jr.
He was a member of St Mary Church of the Visitation and had served as a Lector and Eucharist minister. He enjoyed golf, collecting autographs, crossword puzzles and music.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Normand’s family from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, September 27, 2019 in the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery, Putnam. For memorial guestbook visit www. GilmanAndValade.com
Bob & Maria Lagrander
With a heavy heart I send condolences to my cousins Anne, Norma , Jim and their families, I will always remember the good times I had with my Uncle Norman, The golfing matches and the fishing expeditions we had were never forgotten and always appreciated. May you rest in peace Uncle Norman. You will be missed. Wishing you guys the very best and a happy and long life.
Love Bob & Maria
Peter DiVincenzo
We are so saddened in learning of our friend Norman’s passing. He was a genuinely a good person who Peter worked with for about 35 years and thought of him as one of his closest friends. Our sympathy to his children and grandchildren.
Peter & Sandra DiVincenzo