Norman Gilbert Desprez

Norman Gilbert Desprez, age 88, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Born in Nashua, New Hampshire on July 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Joseph N. and Pauline (Pellitier) Desprez. Norm spent his early years in Nashua before settling in the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts with his family. While attending Boston Public Schools, Norman met his wife to be, Mary P. Thatcher, beginning a beautiful love story in Junior High School. Norm went on to attend Brighton High School, learning how to work on and repair cars in the automotive mechanic program. His studies kept him busy, but he did find time to serve as the drum major in the Saint Theresa's Band. Following his graduation from high school in 1955, Norm enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country over the course of six years.

While on active duty in the Marine Corps, Norm returned home to marry his wife, Mary, at Saint Theresa's Church on November 11, 1956. Upon his honorable discharge, the young couple made their home in Boston's Roslindale neighborhood, and Norm took a position with Boston Edison, working as a mechanic. As their family grew, Norm and Mary left the city behind, settling in the small suburban town of Walpole, Massachusetts, where they raised six children. Norm was promoted to the position of lineman, learning the ins and outs of power distribution and climbing poles to ensure the lines were in good working order. 

After making his home in Walpole, Norm took an active role in his community. He joined the Walpole Rotary Club, serving as president, and served as the chairman for the Walpole 250th Anniversary Parade. Calling on his experience as a drum major and with the Marine Corp, Norm served as the drill instructor for the Walpole Brigadettes and the Walpole High School Marching Band during the 1970s. He went on to become a national judge for the Drum and Bugle Corps in the late 70s and early 80s.

Norm's career continued with the Edison for many years. He retired in 1994, having served as an overhead line inspector, ensuring the lines were free of any obstructions. In retirement years, Norm and Mary made their home in South Dennis, Massachusetts, enjoying the Cape life. Norm kept busy, using his years of experience working with the Edison to develop his own company, Transmission Line Consultants, working for an additional ten years. 

Just as he did in Walpole, Norm became involved in his new community on the Cape. As a proud Marine Corps veteran, Norm joined the Marine Corps League of Cape Cod, sharing stories and embracing camaraderie with his fellow Devil Dogs. He also joined local country clubs, including Dennis Pines and Dennis Highlands. At the Highland, Norm was celebrated for his hole-in-one that he achieved in 2001.

Back at home, Norm loved being outdoors, ensuring his yard was perfectly manicured and every garden bed was in order. Inside, he enjoyed staging his model trains, creating various track layouts, complete with scenery, and putting a heavy emphasis on his Christmas display. 

Beloved husband of the late Mary P. (Thatcher) Desprez.

Loving father of Paul N. Desprez of South Dennis, Kathleen M. Conway and her husband, Ronald, of Norton, Michelle Carleton and her husband, Christopher, of Foxborough, James J. Desprez and his wife, Diane, of Wrentham, Christopher M. Desprez and his wife, Tina, of Plainville, and Danielle M. Crockford and her husband, Russell, of Plymouth.

Cherished grandfather of Eric, Joseph, Ashley, Ronald III, Christopher, Devon, Emma, Ben, Brittany, Tyler, Jon Luc, Nicolas, Max, and Aidan; and great grandfather of Jaxon, Mila, Bradyn, Colbie Jean, Gwen.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Norm's Life Celebration on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Norman's name may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or by visiting www.dana-farber.org/gift