Norman Joseph Rainville

Norman J. Rainville, 92, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2017. He was born in Somersworth, NH and was a resident of Virginia for 47 years. He was of the Catholic faith. Norman served in WWII in the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Bunkerhill, CVN17. After transferring service branches to the U.S. Air Force and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He retired in 1974 from military service after a 26 year career. After his initial retirement he began working in the Physical Science Lab at William and Mary College as a machinist for 15 years until his second retirement. Following retirement he followed his interests and hobbies which included volunteering at Langley Air Force Base Hospital Pharmacy for many years, cruising the road on his Harley Davidson, boating, flying ultralight aircraft, and building World War I plane replicas. As an avid sports fan he cheered on the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Bruins, and the New England Patriots. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Frances Rainville; daughter, Anne Marie Gratton and husband Mike; grandson, Ian Gratton; and Suzi his beloved feline pet. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Norman’s life will be held at 2:00 PM at the conclusion of the visitation. Interment will be Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Albert G. Horton, Jr., Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity in Norman’s name or to curechildhoodcancer.org/United. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.