BREWER – Norman W. Spellman, 74, passed away peacefully Sept. 8, 2011, after a brief illness. God now has a new Marine in heaven; he was just waiting to be here in Maine; we should all feel blessed he made it home. Norman was born June 6, 1937, in Bangor, to James Kerwin and Catherine Edna Spellman (Mazerall), the youngest of eight children.
He knew from an early age that he wanted to enlist in the Marine Corps to serve his country. His tours included Okinawa and the Philippines.
His Semper Fi bumper sticker was a reminder of his commitment, dedication and honor of serving his country. He was one of the few, the proud, a Marine. Years after his military service, he retired from Maine Central Railroad. Norman cherished his time at East Grand Lake and his fondest memories were from his time spent there. He had a passion for hunting and fishing, which he passed on to his children when they were at a young age. In most recent years, Norman enjoyed hanging out with, harassing and helping out his extended families at the Sea Dog and the Leadbetters convenience stores. He was proud of his Irish heritage, but mostly he was proud of his children and his grandchildren, by whom he will be sadly missed.
Norman is survived by four children, Janet Mitchell and husband, Greg, of Bucksport, Christopher of Bangor, Shawn and wife, Lori, of Levant and Ann Marie of Eddington; his grandsons, Chris Mitchell, Nathan Detour and Jack Schroder; his siblings, Janet, James “Jimmy” and wife, Marlene, John “Hacko” and wife, Lois, and William “Kelso”; several nieces and nephews, and many special friends. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Janis Townsend; his best friend, Lena Levasseur; and his most beloved K-9 companion, Wendy “The Dingo.” In addition to his parents, Norman was predeceased by a son, Keith; sisters, Mary Margaret, Anna and Patricia; and a grandson, Ryan Detour.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 768 Ohio St., Bangor. Friends may call 10-11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed 10:30 a.m. for those who wish to participate. Interment will be immediately after Mass at Silver Lake Cemetery, Bucksport. A celebration of Norman’s life will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Sea Dog Banquet Center, 26 Front St., Bangor. Those wishing to remember Norman in a special way may make donations in his name to Fisher House Boston, P.O. Box 230, South Walpole, MA 02071.