Norman Israel Richman

Norman Israel Richman May 8, 1928 July 10, 2012 On July 10, 2012 Norman I. Richman, 84 took his last breath in the very season that he loved, summer. On this same day in the not too distant past, July 10, 1970, Norm was hurriedly heading in his Buick Skylark convertible to his summer home in Cape Cod, Falmouth, while singing along to his favorite song "Downtown" on the radio, from working all week long selling insurance in Boston. Ready to spend a sundrenched weekend on his boat on Nantucket Sound. Greeted excitedly, by his two little beloved daughters who ran into his arms. Norman I. Richman was born in Boston Massachusetts to the late Abraham Richman and Ethel Kramer Richman on May 8, 1928. He was welcomed as the first son to a family of three sisters. His father was overjoyed and quickly named him "Little Jesus". Spoiled by his sisters, and caregiver, Minnie, given a 1930 Commodore Lionel train set, a pony and a dog, Prince, he was soon given a hammer by his dad, a second generation builder and in real estate, Norm learned the trade following his family's heritage in building in Boston. Soon, welcoming a little brother and moving to Hull, Massachusetts to a home on the water so began Norm's love for the ocean and boating. Spending countless hours underwater with his brother, breathing through a garden hose, kayaking, sailing, island and lighthouse hopping along the south shore of Massachusetts. Doing all the mischievous dare devil, acts only a boy would do and falling in love with World's End, in Hingham, Massachusetts soon dubbed his 'favorite place on earth," Norm thrived. Norman graduated from Hingham High School in 1946, titled, 'So Tired', in his yearbook working in the Hingham Ship Yard during World War II all night, walking back and forth to Hingham from Hull. He proudly never removed a piece of metal in his hand from welding ship hulls. Enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, serving four years. Hitch hiking back and forth from Norfolk, Virginia to Massachusetts on weekends, riding the ferry that is now DiMillo's Floating Restaurant in Portland. Norm built his own house on Lake Massapoag, in Sharon, Massachusetts replicating the Paul Revere House in Boston, as Paul Revere had mined cooper in the lake. Raising the flag each morning that he adored. In 1953 Norman married the love of his life Priscilla Dubb Richman. They met as teenagers. The two were inseparable for 59 years of marriage. The two built their life together as best friends, raising two daughters. Their dance through life took them to the magic of Paris, London, Hawaii, cruises and trips throughout the US. Boating on their boat, Norpris. They created many beautiful homes together on the ocean from Cape Cod, Clearwater, Florida to Cape Elizabeth, Maine each utilizing their creative talents in gardening, collecting, antiquing and design. Independently entering a successful career in Insurance after attending business courses at Boston University, Norm managed the city of Boston for Hearthstone Insurance Company selling thousands of policies to the working people of Boston. People who called his name and offered him a free meal or an Italian pastry. He loved to help others. He won many sales awards and raised money for the Little Wanders of Boston. Norm pursued a career in Insurance and construction. While in the insurance industry, he managed the state of Florida as well as Maine for several companies. When he retired from the insurance industry, he traded in his suit and tie for his favorite outfit of a Polo shirt, a sweatshirt, jeans, his infamous red socks and boat shoes to pursue his dream of renovating and building. His unique artistic talent and historical period building left many landmarks of beauty in Greater Portland as well as throughout Maine. Norm believed the only permanent thing in life was change and lived by a positive mental attitude inspiring others. He taught his family to live by his favorite quote, "What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." He lived the, 'Impossible Dream." With his infectious smile, love for chocolate, Chivas Regal scotch, being with people and family, tools in his hands, love for building and fixing things, his Springer, Caper, his love for classical music and opera mainly La Boheme and Carmen, Norm could be seen riding his lawn tractor singing opera or cruising Nantucket Sound and Casco Bay on a July day in his boat, Fairways. "We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch-we are going back from whence we came" - John F. Kennedy. Norm was fearless and strong he marched to his own drum he always taught us, "When you walk through a storm hold your head up high and don't be afraid of the storm." The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to The Gorham House for their loving care. A special thanks to Mike Bicknell, Nancy Mash, Tracy, and all the staff of Windsor II for their love and attention towards him. Norm is survived by his wife Priscilla Dubb Richman, daughter, Pamela J. Richman Shaughnessy and husband, Richard L. Shaughnessy, grandsons, Conner J. and Joshua A. Shaughnessy, Granddog, Cady of Scarborough, Maine, daughter Penny-Beth Richman Biller and husband Scott Biller, granddaughter, Krysten E. Faulkner, granddog James Bowie of Windham, Maine. Norman is also survived by his brother Dr. Sumner C. Richman, and his wife Joyce of Minnesota and their children. A celebration of Norman's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Northern New England branch that serves Maine of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation "JDRF" 175 Ammon Drive Suit 201 Manchester, New Hampshire, 03103. Please include "In Memory of Norman I. Richman"

Norman Israel Richman

May 8, 1928 - July 10, 2012

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