RUMFORD — Joseph “Chummy” Norris, 82, died Saturday, April 29, at Rumford Hospital. He was a resident of Main Street in Peru.

Born in Dixfield on Dec. 9, 1934, he was the son of former state Sen. Frank and Petronela (Jeselskis) Norris Sr. He was a graduate of Stephens High School, Class of 1952 and served in the National Guard. Chummy worked for the Rumford paper mill for 47 years.

He enjoyed gardening and getting his wood ready for winter. He owned and operated Norris’ Antique Shop with his mother and also sold Yamaha snow machines. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his good friends, Timmy and David Magoon.

Chummy was married in Mexico on Sept. 13, 1958, to Lucille Cote of Peru, who survives him. Other survivors include three daughters, Pamela Gardner and husband, Roger, of Auburn, Brenda Freeman and her husband, Andrew, of Peru, and Jolene Norris of Peru; grandchildren, Erin Bellemare and husband, Ryan, of Auburn, Joe Gardner and wife, Gina, of Nashua, N.H., Dustin Freeman and wife, Kristin, of Lewiston, and Chelsea McLain and companion, Harold Conley, of Peru; great-grandchildren, Blake and Ellie Bellemare of Auburn, Owen McLain and Skylar Conley of Peru; sister, Sally Ranaldi and husband, Ronald, of Simsbury, Conn.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Karen; and a brother, Frank Norris Jr.

Friends and relatives are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.meaderandson.com.

Joseph “Chummy” Norris

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