Norman A. Wessell

ORANGE- Norman A. Wessell, 79, of Burrill Avenue, died on Wenesday evening, January 17, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Boston following a brief illness.

Born in Montague on March 25, 1944, he was the son of William A. and Frances (Pratt) Wessell and grew up in Orange, graduating from Ralph C. Mahar Regional School in 1962.

In 1975, Norman married Rachel (Lambert) and built their log home in New Salem where they lived until selling it in 2008 to travel around the country in their motor home.  They enjoyed over 48 years of marriage.

Employed by the Rodney Hunt Co. in Orange as a hydraulic engineer, Norman retired from there in 2006. He had previously worked for the former Union Twist Drill in Athol.

Norman and Rachel spent 15 years going to Florida for the winter. Besides camping, Norman enjoyed winter vacations and cruises, as well as skiing, traveling in his RV, and his beloved dogs.

Survivors include his loving wife, Rachel Wessell of Orange; a son, Gary Wessell and his wife, Brenda, of Nevada; a grandson, Robert Wessell and his wife, Felicia, of Lancaster, CA; a sister, Marcia Oinonen, of Hancock, ME; several nephews and nieces; and sisters in law, Mary Martin of Goffstown, NH and Carol DeFeo and her husband, Bob, of Winchendon.

Norman was predeceased by his father on March 6, 2004 and by his mother on February 27, 2014.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A graveside celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 11 a.m. in South Cemetery, 585 South Main Street, Orange, for Norman A. Wessell, 79, who died January 17, 2024.

Donations in Norman’s memory can be made to Orange Firemen’s Relief Association, c/o Orange Fire Dept., 18 Water Street, Orange, MA 01364 or to the Town of Athol, memo North Quabbin Animal Shelter- Norman Wessell, c/o Athol Police Dept., 280 Exchange Street, Athol, MA 01331.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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