Normand E. "Pete", “Peetu” Stormin’ Normand”, Ruel, age 81, gave his final salute to his girl’s, Corey McKinstry (Mark) of Charlton, MA, Renee Marino (Angelo) of Newtown, CT and Jodie Bonenfant of Overland, MO. and joined the love of his life Pauline (Talbot) on Feb. 6, 2017. He was born March 15, 1935 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield to the late Eugene J. and Yvonne (Gregoire) Ruel. He attended Assumption School and graduated from Cathedral High School. Normand started working at Moore Drop Forge alongside his father and brothers at the age of 18. He was drafted by the United States Army at age 21 and stationed in Krabenloch Kaserne, Germany. Upon his return, he married Pauline, built their own home and continued employment for 44 years at Moore Drop Forge (Danaher Tools), retiring as a General Supervisor of the Die Room. Besides his family, his love was the beat of the drum. When Normand was not marching around the house playing drums on the kitchen counters, he was very active in the community. In early years, he was President of the Assumption Drum & Bugle Corps, President of the L’Union Canadian and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 69, 4th Degree, serving for many years as the Financial Secretary. His girls treasure the stories about Dad being a member of the “1947 Daily News Sandlot Baseball Champions “Chicopee Midgets VFW 625” and traveling to Yankee Stadium where they were honored guests. His great pride in receiving his Business Degree with Honors from Springfield Technical Community College in 1977, and what he was most proud of, and known best by his neighbors at his Sandy Hill residence of 56 years, his immaculately manicured lawn. After retirement, Pete volunteered as a “Hospitality Guy” at Mercy Hospital and worked as a Driver for the Chicopee Senior Center. Although not technically employed by Stop and Shop, he was a familiar sight greeting many friends there too! A lasting memory will be of him in his recliner with the TV a bit too loud, Dunkin’ Donuts coffee in hand, watching his beloved Red Sox or New York Giants with Bidoux, the cat, in his lap. He leaves his legacy, his cherished grandchildren, Tony, Dom, TJ, Kristi, Jordan, Ryan, Nate, Sydney and Gigi along with his great grandchildren Madison, Emailie, Kaitlyn, Giuliana and Nicholas. He is predeceased by his brothers Robert and Joseph Ruel and sisters Yvette Rossi and Pauline Skowera. His family is forever grateful for the devoted friendship of Jeanne Turgeon. Calling hours will be held on Mon., Feb. 13, 2017 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. Funeral Service will be held on Tues., Feb., 15, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. from the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in St Rose de Lima Church followed by burial in St Rose de Lima Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 59 Bobala Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040. For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com.