Norman Gilman

RUTLAND VT/WILLIAMSBURG MA-Norman Lee Gilman, 73, died peacefully on May 3, 2016, surrounded by his children, their spouses and his extended family. Norm was born and raised in Rutland, VT.  He was pre-deceased by his father Donald Gilman and his mother Grace Fairbanks Gilman.  He is survived by his brother, Donald Gilman and his wife Sharon; his daughter Coni Gilman-Solomon and her spouse Kayla; his son Michael Gilman and his partner Kevin Gallagher; his son Mark Gilman and his wife Christina; his ex-wife Donna Bernal Gilman; and his brother-in-law Joe Bernal. He is also survived by his three grandchildren that he loved and adored, Wyatt Gilman, Grace Gilman and Talya Gilman-Solomon. He was known as the fun-loving Uncle to Brian and Scott Gilman, Jody Belfore, Joey and Matt Bernal, Jude and Tim Bernal, Jim and Jessica Ley, and Matthew Potter. It was early in his life that he met his greatest friend, Norman Potter.  Potter and his wife Sandy were steadfast supports throughout his life along with their childhood sidekicks Larry Carrara and John Miles.  Norm graduated from Rutland High School in 1961 where he developed his mechanical abilities.  Norm was a natural athlete in baseball, basketball and football where his ability and leadership on the field contributed to him becoming a Captain. Norm lived most of his life in Clarendon Springs, VT where he raised his family, built his business and established a strong Little League program that continues today as the home of the Blue Jays.  As a father or as a coach, Norm was committed to being active and focused on having fun while providing guidance and direction. He was a naturally gifted teacher who was able to relate to kids whether that was through sports, 4-H or as a snowmobile safety instructor with the Vermont State Police.  He also served as President of the Green Mountain Snow Flyers club for many years. Some of Norm’s favorite memories were horseback riding, snowmobiling, riding his Goldwing across the country, entertaining at his camp in Shrewsbury, and camping with his family. Norm started washing cars at Stowell’s Chevrolet before getting into mechanical/body repairs.  Throughout most of his life you could find him in his garage fixing something, usually with his son Mark by his side.  After starting his family, Norm worked briefly at GE before becoming a manger at Merriam Graves.  From there he began selling farm supplies leading him to start his own successful business, Norm’s Dairy Supply.  He loved traveling to farms throughout Vermont and the surrounding states.  Norm credits the Dale Carnegie course in helping him further develop his leadership in his family, business and community. His children are eternally grateful to his extended family, Robin and Jason Cooney, Lauryn Cronin, Gail Sylvester and Vanessa Cooney, for their amazing love, support and guidance during his final days. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph’s Kervak and Interage in Rutland, VT for the comfort and care they provided Norm over the years.  The family will host a celebration of his life on June 25, 2016 from 2-5 PM at the Shrewsbury Community Meeting House on 88 Lottery Road in Shrewsbury VT.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Norman Gilman to St. Joseph Kervick Residence, 131 Convent Avenue, Rutland, VT 05701.  End of Life services have been entrusted to Avalon Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services, LLC 691 College Hwy., Southwick, MA 01077.

To express a condolence to the family please visit Norman’s Life Memorial page at www.avaloncelebrations.com

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