Norman T. Powers. Norman Totman Powers passed away on February 29, 2016, after living a long, wonderful life of 88 years. He was born on April 10, 1927 in Hanover, NH to his parents Mark E. Powers and Eona B. Totman Powers. He lived most of his life in the Upper Valley in West Lebanon. Norm was a true NH country boy, loving the outdoors, fishing, and hunting with his best friend Reuben Delauri. And, oh, did they have the stories to tell. He had a great sense of humor, and thoroughly loved his West Lebanon neighborhood, friends and family. He especially enjoyed the lobster and clam bakes by the pool, July 4th celebrations, his beagle, Billie, and playing poker. He continued to be an avid fisherman going on fishing trips to Canada, Mexico, Alaska, Wyoming and Idaho, and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Norman was in ROTC in high school and enlisted as soon as he graduated from West Lebanon High School in 1945. He served in the Army-Air Force Corp and was stationed for two years in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, after completing basic training. After being honorably discharged, he returned to NH, and then went on to Boston where he received his education in Business at Burdette Business College. While at Burdette he met Irene Gallerani who became his wife in 1950. They were married for 65 years, celebrating their last anniversary October 28, 2015. Norm and Irene lived most of their married life in NH raising three children (Jan, Mark, Vicki) and running the family businesses together, before moving to Florida part-time in 1987. They sold their house in West Lebanon in the early 1990's and became full-time residents of Florida.
During Norman's career as a business man in the Upper Valley, he met his buddies each morning at the Café Del-Roma (owned by friend and neighbor Reuben DeLauri and frequented by friends, Gordon Baribou, and others) in White River Junction to discuss the local politics, and happenings. They had great fun playing tricks on one another resulting in even more stories. Norman and Irene owned and ran the Powers Furniture Store and Early American House together as their main businesses throughout his career. He also owned and served as a Mortician and Funeral Director at Powers Funeral Home while providing ambulance services throughout the Upper Valley. He sold the funeral home to the Knights in 1964. Norman also served on the Planning Board for the City of Lebanon. Norman was involved in many business ventures throughout his career on his own as well as with LANCO Corporation with his business partners, Andy Rocheleau, Peter Flanagan, Robert Keane, David Hall, and Robert Guernsey with whom he loved working and playing poker. He was a businessman, who always looked for the best way to provide a fair and good service to his community, mentor young journeymen, and assist in the wellbeing of his family. He was a caring, good man who touched the lives of many people.
In his later life, he loved playing poker, cribbage, golf, reading, hanging out with his new friends in Florida, and telling them stories of NH. Norman and Irene took many trips and cruises together after retiring. Norman returned to NH each year to visit family and friends until he was unable to travel. Norman continued his interest in military history, reading about all the United States conflicts and world wars. He was related to Ulysses S. Grant and read all the Civil War history and Memoirs of President Grant.
Norm is survived by his wife, Irene, of 65 years, and three children, Jan of Colorado Springs, CO, Mark (Karen) of Chapel Hill, NC, and Vicki (Jeanette) of Bernalillo, NM; four grandsons Luke (Ana), Kyle, Ethan(Krystal) and Jordan; and two great-granddaughters Ariel and Ryleii. He is also survived by two sister-in-laws, a brother-in-law, and two nieces, and five nephews. Graveside services for Norman will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the West Lebanon Cemetery, where he will be brought home to rest. A reception will be held immediately following burial at the West Lebanon Congregational Church. The Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT is assisting with arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to his family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.