Norman R. Handfield

Norman R. Handfield, 84, of Chaplin, husband of Mabel E. (Barrett) Handfield, died Monday morning Jan. 10, 2005 at the Windham Hospital. He was born Oct. 2, 1920 in Canada. Norman was a U.S. Army veteran serving with the 82nd Airborne, 504th Division. He was shot down over Holland, becoming a POW. Norman eventually retired from the CT. National Guard with the rank of Master Sergeant. For several years he operated his barber shop in Willimantic prior to working in a shop in Storrs on the UConn Campus. His last full time employment was at UConn at the water treatment facility. He was a member of the Willimantic Elks Lodge and a communicant of St. Mary's Church. In addition to his wife he is survived by a daughter and son in law, Joyce and Ronald Lemire Sr. of Chaplin, a son and daughter in law Wayne and Lisa Handfield of Lebanon; 2 sisters, Laura Daly of Windham Center and Marie Rose Ells of Platte, S.D.; 4 grandchildren, Tammy Chasse of Willimantic, Ron Lemire Jr. and his wife Amy of Hampton and Nicole Handfield and Deana Handfield both of Lebanon; 2 great grandchildren, Cody Lemire of Chaplin and Melissa Blish of Willimantic and several nieces and nephews. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Wednesday between 6:00pm and 8:00pm. His Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Church, Valley St. Willimantic on Thursday at 10:00am with assembly at the church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial donations to the American Lung Assoc., 45 Ash St. E. Hartford, CT. 06108-3272.