Norman “Griz” Pisani, Sr. 80 passed away peacefully, Monday January 10th, 2022, following illness. Norman, was born on June 25th, 1941 to Anthony J. Pisani and Pearl F. Cote, in their Franklin home. Both Anthony and Pearl were also born in Franklin. Anthony worked in the Mills, while Pearl worked as a housewife, taking care of their 13 children.
No matter where life put Norman, he always called Franklin home.
One week before his 17th birthday, Norman enlisted in the Army. US Army 32nd Signal Battalion 7th. training started in 1958; Fort Dix, NJ. From there, he went on to Advanced Individual Training in Fort Lee, VA and then Jungle Warfare Training in Hawaii. His last training took place in Europe at Army Mountain Warfare Training.
The last 4 years of his service was spent in Vietnam. Norman was team leader MACV; Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. He obtained several Medals throughout his 10 years; National Defense Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Berlin), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sharpshooter (Rifle) Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal were just a few of them. Out of those 10 years, he came home twice. There was no question how dedicated he was to his country. Honorable Discharge on April 5th 1968. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam Era & Peacetime.
After starting his family in Germany, he returned home in 1968 where he spent the next 35 years working hard to support his growing family. He worked in the Coal Mines, drove trucks for Cumberland Farms and Nike, and then moved on to heavy construction style jobs such as logging, demolition, salvage, and lot clearing.
He brought his family to NH, VT and Maine where they lived for many years, learning survival skills and enjoying the outdoors. His love and passion for gardening, fishing, hunting, were all passed down to his children. You could say he was an “avid outdoorsman.” He also had a love for cooking. He went into the service as a cook, and came out as an executive chef. Another passion passed on. He might not have always told you what was in the dish, but once you tried it, it was hard to deny how good it was. That was when he hit you with the truth of what you were eating. He loved teaching his children everything he knew. He had such pride for all his children and spoke fondly of their achievements. Whatever you needed, he was right there lending a helping hand to anyone.
Norman is survived by his children; Troy A. Pisani, Norman Pisani, III, Angelique Pisani, Sandra Pisani, Norman Pisani Jr. and Alice Pisani. Along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Out of 12 siblings, Norman is survived by Rodney, Kenneth, Ray and Tony, and is predeceased by Eileen, Claire, Sandra, Robert, Ronald and Billy.
“He will forever be loved and missed, but be sure, he will never be forgotten.”
“Fighting soldiers from the sky, fearless men who jump and die, Men who mean just what they say, the brave men of the Green Beret. Silver wings upon their chest. These are men, America’s Best. “ ~ The Ballard of the Green Beret by Barry Sadler
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours Saturday January 22nd, in the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. from 2-4PM.
Face coverings are required at the funeral home.
His interment with full military honors held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, will be held privately at a later date.
To share a memory of Norman or send a condolence www.oterifuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the EOD Warrior Foundation, 716 Crestview Ave, Niceville, FL 32578. 100% of Proceeds serves and supports Active-Duty, Reserve and National Guard, Retired and Veteran EOD technicians and their families. The support includes financial assistance and additional services such as prosthetics and home renovations to make it handicapped accessible. https://eodwarriorfoundation.org/ways-to-give/