Normand P. Lemay Sr.

Normand Paul Lemay, Sr., 95, of Manchester, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025 at Hanover Hill Health Care Center.

He was born in Manchester on August 15, 1930, the son of the late Joseph and Clemence (Ducharme) Lemay.

Mr. Lemay graduated high school from Manchester West and later earned his associate's degree in business from Hesser College. Early in his career, he worked as a Machine Presser in the Manchester Hosiery Mills and it was here that he met the love of his life, Adrienne Blanchard, his wife of 72 years who preceded him in passing in 2023. Mr. Lemay served his country for 39 years as a member of the New Hampshire Air National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing at Grenier Field (present day Manchester Airport) and later at Pease Air Force Base and the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 439th Airlift Wing at Westover Air Reserve Base, MA, retiring with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He was activated during the Korean War and later served as a nationally-renowned avionics maintenance technician. Over his military career, his expertise was widely sought in maintaining the F-80, F-84, C-97, C-124, C-130, KC-135, and C-5 aircraft. After military retirement, he continued serving his community as a bailiff for the Hillsborough County Superior Court. He also worked as a bartender for several years at the China Dragon and The Chateau Restaurant.

A kind and generous husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather throughout his life, he treasured his many friends and family. He also enjoyed repairing televisions, dominating his family members and friends at cribbage, outdoor walks, and mixing potent Mai Tai drinks to share at family gatherings. He was also an avid 10-pin bowler in his prime years and a member of the Air National Guard Bowling League.

Family members include his son, Normand “Skip” Lemay, Jr. and his wife Gloria of VA; three daughters, Adrienne Mazzei and her husband Eugene of Belmont, Susan Kirk and her husband Timothy of PA, and Ann Bouthiette and her husband Brian of Manchester; 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

His incredible life touched so many others, and he will be sorely missed.

A memorial gathering will be held at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St. in Manchester, NH on Friday, January 2nd at 9:00 AM with a memorial service starting at 10:00 AM. Committal services and burial will be at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH promptly at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to The Liberty House Manchester to aid homeless veterans.