Normand J. Babineau

Normand J. Babineau, 93 of Fitchburg, MA entered into eternal rest on Sunday September 12th, surrounded by his loving family.

Normand was born on January 4th, 1928 in Fitchburg, MA to Alphee & Alvida (Arsenault) Babineau.  One of ten children born to proud French-Canadian immigrants, Normand embraced his Acadian heritage.

He attended both Assumption Preparatory and Assumption College graduating with a B.A degree in 1950. After graduation he was inducted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1952 and joined the Air Force Reserves serving for six more years.

Normand found his spiritual and emotional anchor when he married his wife Suzanne in 1954.There was no one he loved more deeply nor held in higher regard than his beloved wife.

In 1962 he was elected to the Massachusetts State Legislature13th Worcester District as the first (and last) Republican since the mid-1930’s.

Normand lived his life in service to a higher power and in service to those around him. He was very involved in his Church and community, and was a member of multiple local clubs, professional and neighborhood associations, as well as The American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Knights of Columbus. He served as Director of the MA Association of Independent Insurance Agents. He was Chairman of Fitchburg’s Charter Commission and was a Trustee for the Wallace Civic Center.  He was a former Chairman for the United Way Annual Campaign.  In 1963, he was named the Junior Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year. He was a member of the new Fitchburg Central Fire Station Search Committee. Normand was a past board member for Assumption Mutual Life Insurance Company, headquartered in Moncton, N.B. Canada. On June 16, 1966 Normand’s Memorial Day Address, given in Fitchburg, was recorded into the Congressional Record by the Hon. Philip J. Philbin.

Normand was one of the founders and served as the Program Chairman of the Arthur M. Longsjo Jr. Memorial Bicycle Race.  In 1998 he was honored with citations from both the City of Fitchburg and the Commonwealth of MA for his dedication and service to the residents of his community.

A longtime member of Immaculate Conception, he served as the President of the Parish Men’s Club and was a member of the School Assoc. While at Immaculate Conception, he was conferred as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.

He and Suzanne were a presenting couple for Worldwide Marriage Encounter from 1975 to 1990.  During that period, they served as the Worcester County Executive Team Couple on two separate occasions, making many lifelong friends.

He owned and operated the Babineau Insurance Agency from 1966 until his “retirement” in 1996 but still found joy in going to the office nearly every day.Norm and Sue spent winters in Satellite Beach Florida and were able to travel to Europe several times.

He enjoyed many games of bridge, cribbage and pitch with his siblings and friends, along with bird watching, golfing, reading, riding roller coasters, whitewater rafting, and driving his Saab convertible. At age 81 he went skydiving in Hawaii for the first time and then went two more times with his children and grandchildren.

Normand looked forward to the annual Grand Lake Stream fishing trip, where he held court, demanded silence during card play, and imparted his years of wisdom and philosophical reflection to his sons and grandsons in quiet canoes on the lake. Normand and his family made the trip to Grand Lake Stream again in August, just a month before his passing.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Suzanne and his four sons. David (Susan), Marc (Renee), Greg, John (Jane), and his favorite daughter, Renee (Jeff). Normand had 11 grandchildren – Emily, Stephen, Mallory, Marcus, Margaux, Joseph, Jack, Jake& Shawna Babineau, Jacob & Samuel Beauvais and one honorary granddaughter Abby Jollimore. Normand was also Pep-Pep to three great grandchildren, Jared & Olivia Quill and Alexandra Babineau.

He also leaves his brothers, Dr. T. Arthur Babineau, Dr. J. Paul Babineau, and his sister Lucille Gaudet. Normand was preceded in death by his brothers Raymond Babineau, Dr. Robert Babineau Sr., Dr. Francis Babineau and his sisters Juliette Roy, Louise Lemay and Irene Quintal.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rob Babineau Jr. for the wonderful care he gave his Uncle Norm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The St. Vincent De Paul Society c/o St. Joseph’s Parish 49 Woodland St. Fitchburg, MA 01420.

A funeral Mass for Normand will be held on Tuesday, September 21,2021 @ 11a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church 49 Woodland St. Fitchburg, MA with Inurnment  to follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Calling hours will held on Monday, September 20,2021 at the funeral home from 4 until 7 p.m. all relatives and friends are welcome to attend.  The Lavery Chartrand  Alario Funeral Home 99 summer St. Fitchburg is directing.  Michael S. Alario – Director – Owner.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Normand J. Babineau, please visit our floral store.