AUBURN — Norman L. Caron Sr., 79, of Auburn, passed away at his home on Thursday, Sept. 15.

He was born in Lewiston on March 18, 1932, a son of the late John and Marie Caron. He attended local schools before joining the Army in 1952. He served his country in the Korean War. He was wounded during this conflict and was awarded The Purple Heart.

On April 7, 1951, he married the love of his life, Muriel Dionne. Together they worked and raised their six children and 120 foster children in this area until her death in 1990.

He owned his own business, the Cushman Service Co., working as a plumbing and heating specialist. He then worked at the transfer station in Turner until retiring in 2009 at the age of 77.

In 1977, the Auburn Business Association presented him with a special award “For his Unselfishness and Heroism in Saving The Life Of A Fellow Human Being.” This award was presented to him for risking his life entering a burning vehicle and pulling the occupant out of the car to safety.

Norman loved “puttering away,” feeling he could always fix anything that was broken. He loved helping people right to the day he died as he was preparing his lawnmower to go mow his neighbor’s lawn.

Norman is survived by his six children, Jane Flanders and her husband, Thomas, of Freeport, Elaine Caron of Lewiston, Christine Caron of Greene, Peter Caron of San Diego, Calif., Norman L. Caron Jr. and his wife, Linda, of New Jersey, and Denise Caron Cole and her fiance, David Arnold, of Topsham; nine grandchildren, Amy, Cari, Shane, Meghan, Mya, Michelle, Kayla, Tyler and Brandon; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Simonne Chretien and Fernande Caron; and 120 foster children.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Muriel; an infant daughter, Connie; his brothers, Adrien, Roland, Sam, Nel and Sid; and his sisters,  Jeannette and Irene.

You are invited to share condolences and fond memories with the Caron family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.