[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E181-E182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LOUIS ``LON'' O. NORMANDIN II

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SAM T. LICCARDO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 3, 2026

  Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Mr. Louis ``Lon'' O. Normandin, II of Monte Sereno, California. A 
beloved Silicon Valley businessman, philanthropist, and community 
leader, Lon passed away on December 17, 2025, at the age of 91. Born 
and bred in San Jose, Lon graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory 
and earned a business degree from Santa Clara University, and then 
proudly served our country as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He 
married his high school sweetheart, Margaret ``Peggy'' Normandin, and 
together they shared seventy years of marriage and raised a large, 
loving family.
  Following his military service, Lon Normandin carried on his family's 
storied business legacy, serving as President and Chairman of the 
Normandin car dealership, a family enterprise bearing the Normandin 
name since its founding in 1875 as a horse-carriage manufacturer. Under 
his leadership, the dealership continued as a family-run business 
through its fifth and sixth generations, a rare achievement in America 
that reflects the deep bond between the Normandin family, their 
business, and our community. Over more than sixty years in the auto 
industry, Lon earned national recognition and led dealer efforts to 
rebuild Chrysler alongside CEO Lee Iacocca. Lon became a finalist for 
the national TIME Dealer of the Year award, and he helped lead his 
industry as Chairman of Chrysler's National Dealer Council and as 
President of Chrysler's California Advertising Association. A renowned 
community and business leader, Lon also co-founded Heritage Bank in 
Silicon Valley.
  Lon Normandin demonstrated a deep commitment to living out his 
Catholic faith, supporting many in need, and particularly education for 
children from struggling families. As a generous benefactor, he served 
on the boards of the Catholic Community Foundation, Santa Clara 
University, Bellarmine College Preparatory, Presentation High School, 
and Notre Dame High School. He led major fundraising efforts to build 
and expand Catholic elementary schools in the area, helping to 
establish San Jose's Saint Frances Cabrini School, Holy Spirit School, 
and Sacred Heart Nativity Schools. Lon served the community and his 
faith as a longtime member of the Knights of Malta, and he was a 
familiar face at the 6:00 a.m. daily Mass. His generosity extended 
beyond the church; for many years he volunteered weekly at Martha's 
Kitchen in San Jose, serving meals to neighbors in need, often bringing 
his children and grandchildren along to embrace the value of service.
  Above all his accomplishments, I remember Lon for his kindness. Lon 
treated everyone with respect, offered a ready smile or laugh, and 
sought to help anyone in need--and many came to him and Peggy seeking 
help. He served as a wonderful role model for me in my youth, and as I 
have learned, for many others.

[[Page E182]]

  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life 
of Louis ``Lon'' Normandin, II and in extending our deepest condolences 
to his beloved wife Peggy, their six children, fourteen grandchildren, 
and eleven great-grandchildren. Family was the great joy and foundation 
of Lon's life. We honor Lon Normandin's legacy of faith, family, and 
service, and express gratitude for the example he set. May he rest in 
peace.

                          ____________________