Normand (Norm) Robert Gonthier, 92, a 50-year resident of Franklin, died peacefully and surrounded by his family on October 10, 2024 at MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham. Norm was the beloved husband of Shirley (Pinette) Gonthier, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage, and devoted father of Mark, Dolores, Jim, and Eileen, and father-in-law of Jeanne. The proud Pepere will be missed by Stephanie Gonthier and partner Darby Hamilton, Alyse Gonthier and partner Gary Ge, and Eirnin Mahoney. Norm was also cherished “Dad G” to Andres Branger and the late Caitlin Warde. He is predeceased by his brothers Raymond and Roland and sister Sister Dolores; sisters-in-law Freda and Ann; and brothers-in-law Herve, Al, David, and Bob. Norm is survived by his extended family members, including his sisters-in-law Peg, Phebe, Claire, Gloria, and Priscilla, his brother-in-law Dick, and many adoring nieces and nephews.
Born on February 27, 1932, in Amesbury, Norm was the son of the late Roland and Yvonne (Roy) Gonthier. He graduated from Amesbury High School in 1950, and soon after was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Korean War, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class. Norm often recounted stories from his time in the military with amusement, including his "war injury" of a bruised toe from dropping a typewriter on it. Following his service, Norm earned his bachelor's degree from Northeastern University in 1960 and built a 30-year career at Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company in Canton, retiring as Second Vice President and Internal Auditor.
Norm was passionate about giving back to his community. He volunteered with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, assisted at Tri-Valley Elder Services as a Financial Manager, and was President of the Parents’ Council at his children’s high school, Mount St. Charles Academy in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. As an active member of St. Mary’s Parish in Franklin he served with Shirley in various roles, most notably Lector at weekly Mass, Stage Manager of St. Mary’s musical productions, and Soda Booth Manager at the Feast of St. Rocco for 24 years, “retiring” due only to his health. He enthusiastically ran the Soda Booth as if it were his own business, inspiring his cadre of volunteers to return every August “just because Norm asked them to.”
He loved music of diverse genres, especially Big Band and Broadway musicals, and was an amateur but avid dancer and singer. Norm gleefully jitterbugged with Shirley – and later, his daughters – at every wedding he attended. He delighted family and friends when singing his favorite selections from Fiddler on the Roof or West Side Story and, as a founding member of the Franklin Singing Seniors, performed at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities, entertaining residents with lively renditions from the Great American Songbook.
Norm found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from admiring birds at his backyard feeder and watching Patriots games, to tending his vegetable garden and finding "treasures" at the Franklin Dump. His greatest happiness, though, was making people laugh. Known for his quick wit and deadpan delivery, Norm loved telling stories and lightening the mood. His dry and self-effacing humor made him an unlikely yet popular speaker at Boston Mutual’s annual sales meetings. And no one was beyond the subject of Norm’s comedic insights, with one of his favorite analyses focused on “how God made the face wrong” – complete with suggestions for improvement!
Norm's warmth, wisdom, and kindness endeared him to all who knew him, and his legacy of love and laughter will be cherished by his family, friends, and community.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, October 18th from 4–7 pm in the Ginley Funeral Home, ginleyfuneralhomes.com 131 Main St., Franklin.
His Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 19th at 11 am at St. Mary’s Church, One Church Square, Franklin. Livestream the Mass: stmarysfranklin.org
Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul https://www.stmarysfranklin.org/ at St. Mary’s Parish or
Mass Audubon. https://www.massaudubon.org/