[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 77 (Thursday, June 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1163-E1164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO JEAN ``GENE'' NORMANDIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARTIN T. MEEHAN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2006

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to my dear 
friend Jean ``Gene'' Normandin, who passed away on Thursday, May 4, 
2006 at the age of 78. Gene was a devoted husband, loving father to his 
three sons an two daughters, man of compassion, and a

[[Page E1164]]

caring friend and mentor to many, including myself.
  I ask unanimous consent to enter into the Congressional Record the 
eulogy delivered by his son, Robert Normandin on May 10, 2006.

            A Life Well Lived--The Eulogy for Gene Normandin

       Dedication, determination and devotion, are terms that sum 
     up my father's life.
       He was dedicated to his family, his 5 children, 13 
     grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He was extremely 
     fortunate to be blessed with 2 successful marriages. First, 
     to our mother, to whom he was married to for almost 35 years. 
     When our mother became ill, he dedicated himself to her, for 
     every minute of every day for the rest of her life. His love 
     for her never ended.
       He was so fortunate to meet, fall in love and marry, 
     Jeannine. Their marriage lasted almost 20 years and, as he 
     did with my mother, she dedicated herself to him, taking care 
     of him until the moment of his death. Jeannine, we are 
     eternally grateful for the love, devotion and care that you 
     gave him. We will never forget.
       He was a successful businessman. He was a young man when he 
     went to work for Manzi Dodge, at the time a struggling car 
     dealership. Through this determination when he left, it was a 
     thriving business. He founded other businesses, Custom Sentry 
     Alarms and Normandin Liquors. He brought a determination to 
     any endeavor in which he become involved. As he was fond of 
     saying when someone said how lucky he was, ``yes, and the 
     harder I work, the luckier I get.'' He was truly a lucky man.
       He brought that determination and devotion to his church as 
     well. When Frs. Hassett, Handley, O'Brien or Joyce had a 
     problem at the Sacred Heart, one of the first people that 
     they would seek out was Gene Normandin. Whether it was the 
     men's club, 1000 club, or Bingo he was always there for them.
       When he moved to Florida, he brought that dedication there. 
     Whether it was serving food at a soup kitchen, clothing 
     drives or washing dishes, he assisted the indigent migrant 
     workers at Omoklee, Florida.
       He was blessed during his life with many, many great 
     friends, people like Kay and Pat and Armand and Connie, with 
     whom he shared many laughs and a few tears.
       It was in short, a life well lived. Dad, we will miss you.

                          ____________________