1924-2011
West Thompson- Normand R. Langlois, 87, of Church Street., died Tuesday, March 29, at home after a short illness. He was born in North Grosvenor Dale, the son of Willie and Anaïs (Martin) Langlois, both immigrants from Quebec.
In addition to his wife of 61 years, Loretta (Vadnais) Langlois, he leaves three sons: Richard (Deborah Savage) of Columbia; Marc (Craig Mathis) of Ann Arbor, MI; and Michael (Elena Berry) of Winchester, MA. He also leaves a brother, Joseph, of North Grosvenor Dale. He was predeceased by two other brothers, Maurice and Roger, and two sisters, Annette Brousseau and Charlotte Gwizdala.
A veteran of World War II, Normand saw action with the 945th Field Artillery Battalion in Patton’s Third Army in France and Germany. He served as a line runner, whose dangerous job it was to string communications cable to artillery look-out posts. After the war he worked principally as a truck driver, at various times hauling oil, concrete products, and steel. He was active in the Boys Scouts in the 1960s and 1970s, from whom he received the Bronze Pelican Award for service. He was also a founding member of VFW Post 10088 in Quinebaug.
Normand continued to enjoy the open road after he retired, exploring the byways of the Northeast with his wife. Also an avid fly fisherman, he could be seen as recently as last summer wading in the Quinebaug River above the West Thompson Dam. But his passion was his family, and his favorite role in retirement was that of a doting pépère to his five grandchildren: Zachary, 21; Anaïs (Annie), 17; Noah, 15; and twins Christopher and Abigail, 11.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Normand’s family from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Thursday March 31, 2011 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., North Grosvenor Dale, CT. A gathering will begin in the funeral home at 10:00am on Friday April 1, 2011 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenor Dale. Burial will be private. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com
Ann Marie Sastry
We colleagues of Marc Langlois are very saddened at the loss of Marc’s beloved Father, Mr. Normand R. Langlois. We offer our sincere sympathies to the Langlois family, and do hope that the life of this exemplary man will be remembered and emulated by those who care for those who mourn his loss. Best Wishes, Ann Marie Sastry, on behalf of the team at Sakti3
Marion and William Lawton
Dear Loretta and Family,
We are truly sorry for your loss. Normand will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a good and honorable man. He had a wonderful sense of humor and we always enjoyed visiting your home because he made us feel so welcomed. He will be missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Love, Marion and Bill
Nora and Steven Stein
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Dick’s beloved father. We will cherish our fond memories of Pepere at happy family gatherings. His smile could light up a room, and we know that this same smile continues to shine down on those whom he loved so dearly.
Hugs to all.
Nora and Steve
Christine M. Bradley
Dear Mike, Elena, Annie, Abigail and Christopher, Our thoughts are with you at this time. Your father/grandfather was and will remain a true hero. our best, the Don, Chris, Colton and Sarah Bradley
Metin and Patricia Cosgel
Dear Dick and Langlois family,
We are sorry for the loss of Dick’s father, Mr. Normand R. Langlois. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Patricia and Metin
Alison Wackrow
Mike, Elena, Annie, Abigail and Christopher,
We are with you all in spirit and thinking of you as you mourn the loss of your Dad/Pepere.
With love and sympathy,
The Wackrows
Grace & Dennis Benoit
Mike, Elena, Annie, Abigail and Christopher,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father/pépère. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With sympathy,
The Benoit Family
Francis Ahking and Paula Chieruzzi
Dear Dick and family:
Our deepest condolences. We are fortunate to have met your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Francis, Paula, Jeff, and Laura
Rhonda Hodges
Dear Mike, Elena, Annie, Abigail and Christopher,
We were so sorry to hear of your father/grandfather’s passing. May time ease your sorrow and beautiful memories give you peace and comfort.
Our deepest sympathy,
Rhonda, Jerry, Henry, Ben and Ella Hodges
Chester J Steckel, Jr (LTC USA-Ret)
They must have known each other. Sad to see him pass. My Dad was Svc Battery CDR, 945th from D+4 or 5 til end of war. My Dad, Chester Sr., buried Arlington.