Normand R. Charette

"Three Rivers - Normand R. "Popeye" Charette , 83, of Oak St, died peacefully on August 18, 2016 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 21, 1933 in Chicopee, MA, son of Joseph and Yvonne (St. Louis) Charette. Normand served in the United States Air Force and was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 337 and AMVETS Post 74. Normand was also a proud past member of Three Rivers Fire Department. He was a communicant of Divine Mercy Parish where he was a Lector and sang in the choir: as a locally renowned Vocalist he performed at many weddings and social events! Normand owned and operated Charette Catering Service and went on to teach culinary arts at Pathfinder Regional and Franklin County Technical Schools. He also worked for Dulude Oil Co. alongside his brother-in-law and cherished friend the late Leroy Rogers. He loved spending his summers working as the Executive Chef at Camp Takajo in Naples, ME; creating over 30 years of fond memories and great friendships. He was "Normand", "Popeye", "Pop", "Uncle Popeye", "Mr. C", "Chef Norm", "Pepe", "Big Pepe", "Mr. Charette", and Dad. Normand was an avid coin collector. He also enjoyed candle-pin bowling with his brothers and Saturday night card games with his dear friends, the Michauds and Baldygas. Normand spent many years coaching, including several championship teams. He was the Boston Red Sox biggest fan! He was predeceased by his loving wife, Janet B. (Dulude) Charette in 2014 and his infant daughter Angela Mae in 1963. Normand leaves his children, Dorcas R Losaw and Raymond of Three Rivers, Richard J. Charette and Kathy of Carlisle, PA, Gerard Normand "Ged" Charette and Jennifer Lanza of Three Rivers, Mary A. Charette of Three Rivers, Jean Paul Charette and Dawn of Gainesville, GA, Catherine A. Reed and Allen of Three Rivers, MA, Matthew D. Charette and Deborah of Nashville, TN, 23 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren. Normand was predeceased by his Son-in-law George Turner of Three Rivers and siblings, Rhea, Paul, Gene, Rita, Ray, Bob, Don, Jeannine, Lucille, Irene, Jackie, Eva, and Lionel. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law Roger Fontaine of Chicopee and Sharkey's long time friend Eleanor Maloney of Westfield. He was a fixture at the Charette Family picnic and leaves many nieces and nephews and their families. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home at 9:00am on Saturday, August 27, 2016 followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00am in Divine Mercy Parish. Interment will follow in the St. Anne Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 26th from 2:00 - 7:00pm at Beers and Story Palmer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Shriner's Hospital, 516 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104."