Norman L. Grenier

Norman L. Grenier BARRE — Norman Laurea Grenier, 88, of Central Vermont peacefully passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023, in a warm, comfortable environment at Heaton Woods in Montpelier, VT under the care of Bayada Hospice. Norman, “Norm” was the only son born to the late Napoleon and Bertha Grenier of Graniteville, Vermont on September 23, 1935. Along with his three sisters, Norm was also raised with three half siblings born to Napoleon and Julianne Grenier. He was brought up in a proud, hardworking, French-speaking family attending to his farming chores in the early morning hours before school and delivering newspapers in the afternoon. Norm entered theological seminary school, after graduating from Spaulding High School in Barre, VT. During this time, he also worked part-time bagging groceries at the Grand Union Grocery store, where he met the love of his life Margaret J. Florucci and decided to follow his heart. Norm and Margaret were married on August 31, 1957, and lived together throughout the Central Vermont area for an incredible 66 years, last residing at Heaton Woods Residence. He worked for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Barre, VT for over 35 years. He created many long-lasting friendships and served the Barre Community well by being a member or officer of the Elks Club, the Rotary Club, the Canadian Club, and the Mutuo. His ultimate joy was anything sports-related including playing softball, tennis, racquetball, riding snowmobiles to Canada, ice fishing, hunting, bowling (both candlestick and 10-pin), and of course golf. This love of sports also led him to coaching his two oldest sons, Bart and Brian, through BYSA football, Little League baseball, Babe-Ruth baseball, and Legion Baseball. Family and friends were thoroughly impressed with Norm’s athletic skill, although right-handed, taught himself amazing eye-hand coordination from his left side due to an early childhood disease that severely impacted his sight, especially in his right eye. Norm was thrilled when his only daughter, Betsy, moved to Florida as this was the only way he could convince Margaret to spend the winters there. They lived happily as snowbirds in New Port Richey, Florida for over 25 years. During this time, Norm had both membership and worked part-time as a starter for Meadow Oaks Country Club in Hudson, Florida. He perfected his skill at golf and enjoyed playing with his children and friends when he returned to Vermont at both the Country Club of Barre and Northfield Country Club, where he was also a member for several years. He had a beautiful smile and wonderful sense of humor. Norm thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, their many friends and their friend’s friends. He was always prepared with a good joke, a crazy story, and you had to keep a close eye when he oversaw the score in any game he competed against you, although you always knew it was in good fun. Norm will be missed by many. Survivors include his four children Bart Grenier and his wife, Leslie of Boston, MA; Brian Grenier and his partner, Jacqueline Pridemore of Barre, VT; Betsy Grenier Pecor and her husband, Christopher of Sarasota, FL; and Brent Grenier and his wife, Tracie of Winooski, VT; his seven grandchildren Jordan, Gabriel, Courtney, Kellan, Ali, Bailey and Camber; his two great-grandchildren Braxton and Peyton and his sibling Julienne McAuley of Leesburg, FL. Norman was predeceased by his soulmate by 52 days, Margaret F. Grenier and his siblings Laurie Bisson Inkel, Roland Grenier, Lionel Grenier, Rejeanne Parker, Diane Byrns and his sibling Mary Marte Grenier whom he never met since she passed away at six months of age. A brief graveside service will be held at Hope Cemetery, 201 Maple Ave, Barre on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. (noon). There will also be a Celebration of Life directly after the graveside service at a location to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Heaton Woods Residence, 1205 North Avenue, Burlington, VT 05408. Arrangements are by Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre. For a memorial guestbook, please visit www.hookerwhitcomb.com