Norbert George Bissonnette

Norbert George Bissonnette, 84, of Middletown, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on May 3, 2023, surrounded by his beloved wife and family.  Norbert was a devout Catholic and served many years as a Eucharistic-minister and religion teacher.  He was born in Newport, Vermont, on April 21, 1939, to the late Albert and Madeline (Nadeau) Bissonnette.  Norbert cherished the bonds he had with his four sisters and brother: Louise (and the late Elwood) Duckless, Florence (John) Farrell, Irene Delabruere, Daniel Bissonnette and the late Jacqueline and Kenneth Adams, as well as his sisters in-law Beverly (Armand) Couture and the late Rachel Westover.

In his final days, Norbert was surrounded by his large, loving family, which includes the love of his life, his wife of 64 years, Sonja (Taylor) Bissonnette, his children Dina Seifert, Connie (James) Dauphinais, JR (Rita) Bissonnette and Debbie Shekosky.  He was predeceased by his daughter Pamela Cotharin.  He is also survived by his many grandchildren: Jason (Jessica) Tomczak, Chris Seifert (fiancé Brittany), Wade and Luke Seifert; Samantha, Ben, Jeremiah and Kaitlyn Dauphinais; Matthew and Aubrey Bissonnette, Ethan Brewerton and Abby (Josh) Dumoch; Kaci (Josh) Denison and Brittany (Josh) Bellamo; Kimberly Shekosky (fiancé Ryan) and Kelly Shekosky; his great grand-children Tyler, Logan, Arianna, Julianna, Cole, Austin and Lyla; and his close friends Sam and Bette Oakes and Eleanora and the late Roger Dauphinais. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews and their extended families, all of whom were very dear to him.

Norbert was first and foremost a loving family man.  He worked at Pratt & Whitney for 34 years.  Upon retiring, he worked his dream job of driving tractor trailer.  He and his wife also traveled across the country in their RV, visiting all 48 continental states and many provinces in Canada.  He was involved in his children’s activities as a Cub Scout leader and baseball coach and was his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s biggest supporter and cheerleader, going to many baseball games, swim meets, and school concerts. He enjoyed playing cards with his family and friends and playing blackjack at casinos across the country.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and friends.  Norbert’s kind and caring demeanor made him very approachable and easy to talk with.  To know him was to love him.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 9th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Cromwell Funeral Home, 506 Main Street, Cromwell, CT.  A Mass of Christian Burial for Norbert will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 10:00 am in St Pius X Catholic Church, 310 Westfield Street, Middletown, CT.  Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Norbert’s name to either Hartford Healthcare Hospice Program or Gaylord Hospital (https://www.gaylord.org/Giving/Giving-to-Gaylord/Give-Now).  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice..com

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