RUMFORD — Norman E. DeRoche, 92, of Rumford, passed away Aug. 7, after a short illness.

He was born in Rumford, Dec. 21, 1919, to Samuel and Laura Bedard DeRoche.

He attended Rumford schools. As a teen, he worked for Ralph’s Grocery in Rumford. He also worked for Nissen’s Baking Co., delivering to stores in Mexico, Rumford, Andover, Frye and Roxbury until serving in the Army in World War II, European Theater. He was awarded a Purple Heart. After his military service, he owned and operated variety stores in Rumford and Mexico.

Norman was an avid runner all of his life, participating in the Senior Olympics and winning several awards. He also enjoyed horse races, casinos, hiking, reading and driving the back roads of Oxford County.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 70 years, Adria “Peggy” DeRoche; son, James DeRoche and his wife, Karen, of North Monmouth; son, Glendon DeRoche of Rumford; grandson, Eric Dawson and wife, Christine, of Moreau, N.Y.; granddaughter, Jennifer Ross and husband, John, of Rowley, Mass.; granddaughter, Kristy Morsey and husband, Roger, of Morrill; grandson, James DeRoche of Lewiston; and great-grandchildren, Alec, Ashley, Alex, Nathaniel, Austen, Ben and Rebecca.

Norman was predeceased by his parents; his daughter, Sheri Dawson; sisters, Gertrude Charity, Alice Welch and Pearl DeRoche; and brothers, Milton DeRoche, Ronald DeRoche and Sonny DeRoche.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the DeRoche family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.