FRANKLIN—Norman C. “Hoss” Ristaino 77, a lifelong resident of Franklin, passed away Saturday March 10, 2012 at home, among family and his beloved cat Tigger. Norman was the son of the late Anthony G. Ristaino of East Boston and the late Mary (Dobeck) Ristaino of Woonsocket.
He was raised & educated in Franklin, and after graduating as Vice President of the Class of “53” from Franklin High School, Norman went onto further his education at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Upon graduation he worked at Natick Labs and retired in 1990 as a Systems Analyst after 35 years.
Nothing spoke more about Norman’s passion for the town of Franklin than the numerous elected and appointed positions he held throughout his lifetime. He spent over ten years as a member of the Franklin Planning Board, he was a former Chairman of the Franklin Town Council, was one of the last elected members to be a selectman, he served on the Board of Public Works, was Chairman of the Remington-Jefferson Building Committee, the Charles River Pollution Committee, Beaver Pond Recreational Committee, and the Charter Study and School Building Needs Committee.
Most recently, Norman served once again served the town as a member of the Franklin Planning Board and was appointed to the Franklin Master-Plan Committee.
Norman was a member of the St. Anthony Columbus & Benevolent Society, President of Men’s Town Softball League, Franklin High Grid Iron Boosters Club and a founding member of the “Dizzy Dozen”. Norman’s civic passion was honored by the Franklin Rotary Club with the Citizen of the Year Award.
He is survived by his children; Tia M. Ristaino-Siegel, Anthony G. Ristaino II of Franklin, Diane Collins of Johnston, John F. Ristaino of Mendon, a sister Joan Molloy of Franklin, and 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
He was the former husband of Sheila M. Wagner and stepson of the late Emma (Handverger) Ristaino.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Friday March 16th, at 9:15AM from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. Franklin, www.oetrifuneralhome.com, with a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church 1 Church Sq. Franklin at 10AM.
Interment will follow at the Ristaino family lot in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Calling hours are Thursday from 4-8PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory sent to Purr-fect Cat Shelter PO Box 548 Medway, MA 02053 would be appreciated.