Norman E. DeRoche

RUMFORD -- Norman E. DeRoche, 92, of Rumford passed away on August 7, 2012 after a short illness.

He was born in Rumford on December 21, 1919, to Samuel and Laura (Bedard) DeRoche. He attended Rumford schools.

As a teen, he worked for Ralph's Grocery in Rumford. He also worked for Nissen's Baking Company, delivering to stores in Mexico, Rumford, Andover, Frye and Roxbury until serving in the army in World War II, European Theater. He was awarded a Purple Heart. After his military service, he owned and operated variety stores in Rumford and Mexico.

Norman was an avid runner all of his life, participating in the Senior Olympics and winning several awards. He also enjoyed the horse races, casinos, hiking, reading, and driving the back roads of Oxford County.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 70 years, Adria (Peggy) DeRoche; two sons, James DeRoche and his wife, Karen of North Monmouth, and Glendon DeRoche of Rumford; two grandsons, Eric Dawson and wife, Christine of Moreau, NY, and James DeRoche of Lewiston; two granddaughters, Jennifer Ross and husband, John of Rowley, MA, and Kristy Morsey and husband, Roger of Morrill; and great-grandchildren Alec, Ashley, Alex, Nathaniel, Austen, Ben and Rebecca.

Norman was predeceased by his parents; his daughter, Sheri Dawson; sisters, Gertrude Charity, Alice Welch and Pearl DeRoche; and brothers, Milton DeRoche, Ronald DeRoche and Sonny DeRoche.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday in Demeritt Cemetery in Peru. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norman’s memory may be made to the Rumford Public Library, 58 Rumford Ave., Rumford, ME 04276.