Raymond J. Normandeau

Raymond J. Normandeau, 90, of Shapleigh, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 20.He was born in Somersworth, NH on September 17, 1921, the son of Louis and Emma (St. Pierre) Normandeau. He came to Sanford as a child and was a member the Sanford High School class of 1942.An army veteran of World War II, he served in the 331st Antiaircraft Artillery Searchlight Battalion in Europe, Africa and the Middle East under Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. He was a life member of the VFW Post in North Berwick and the American Legion Post in Sanford.Mr. Normandeau served his community as a firefighter and licensed ambulance attendant for the town of Sanford for over 20 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. He was an accomplished automotive and diesel mechanic and also drove trucks transporting cargo throughout the United States.He was a member of the Maine State Stock Car Racing Association from 1948 through 1951. He raced at Beech Ridge Speedway in Scarborough and the former Sanford Speedway. In his car #80, Ray won the final event and took the afternoon's victory before 4000 persons at the opening of the new Sanford Stock Car Racing Track on June 4, 1950.Mr. Normandeau was a communicant of Holy Family Church. He was an active member and past president of the League of the Sacred Heart in the early 1960's. The league worked tirelessly to raise monies for Holy Family School and other charitable causes.On June 26, 1948, he married Aline LaChance in a double wedding ceremony that also included Irene LaChance and Leon Tanguay.He was predeceased by a son, David Normandeau in 1963, and by two sisters, Beatrice Tetreault and Jane Willey.Survivors include his wife of almost 64 years, Aline Normandeau of Shapleigh, two daughter, Janie Normandeau of Shapleigh, Cindy Normandeau of Sanford, a grandson David Emmons of Sanford and a great granddaughter, Lily Emmons.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the Holy Family Church of St. Therse of Lisieux Parish, 66 North Avenue, Sanford. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford. Condolences may be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.