NAUGATUCK, CT — Norman J. Ruest, 80, passed away Monday at Glendale Health Center after a brief illness.

Norman was born in Brunswick, ME on April 23, 1932, the son of the late Alfred and Donalda (Pelletier) Ruest. He was a resident of Naugatuck for 59 years and an Army veteran serving during the Korean War where he received a Purple Heart. He retired after many years from Local Steamfitter Union 777 and also worked for M.J. Daly. He was a member of Holy Saviour Polish National Catholic Church, the American Legion Post 17 serving as Past Commander, the Disabled American Veterans, the Forty and Eight Organization and past member of the Polish American Club. He was an avid UConn Basketball fan and enjoyed cooking, fishing, hunting, and golfing; but especially spending time with his loving family.

Besides his wife of 59 years, he leaves his son, Rick Ruest of Naugatuck; two daughters, Laurie Rogers and her husband David of Naugatuck, the Honorable Pamela Ruest of State College, PA; his sister, Helen Sawyer and her husband Thomas of Brunswick, ME; two granddaughters, Elena and Kayla Rogers; two nephews, Norman and Michael Thibeault.

His funeral was held on Friday, June 8 at Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home. Burial with military honors at Holy Saviour Cemetery in Naugatuck. To send an online condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.