Norman “Norm” E. Charleston Jr.

RUMFORD – Norman “Norm” E. Charleston, Jr., passed away peacefully at home on July 14, 2026. Norm was born on Dec. 20, 1945, to Norman E. and Margery (Hunter) Charleston, Sr.

A devoted husband and father, Norm graduated from Westbrook High School in 1965. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) in 1969. Norm and Marie met on a blind date set up by Norm’s roommate and were married on Oct. 4, 1969.

Norm spent most of his career in the pulp and paper industry, retiring from Boise Cascade in 2000, as maintenance superintendent. He truly loved his work and was respected for his honesty and integrity.

Norm and Marie made their home for nearly 50 years in Rumford. They enjoyed playing bridge, skiing, and socializing with their wide circle of friends. Their community was very important to them. Norm remained close to his classmates from MMA over the years. They made a lot of memories and shared many adventures over the last 60 years. Friends were very important to Norm, and he cherished his time with them.

Norm was an outstanding athlete and was good at any sport he played. He loved skiing and shared that passion with his children and grandchildren, all of whom competed in the sport. Norm loved attending their competitions and following across New England to cheer them on.

Norm was an active member of the Chisholm Ski Club and would often spend late nights working to repair the t-bar so that the mountain could open. He volunteered as a timer for Nordic competitions and as an official for alpine races. At Sunday River he volunteered for competitions and as a mountain ambassador.

Norm was a life-long golfer and enjoyed playing daily during the warmer months. He was a member of the Oakdale Country Club for more than 40 years and even served as club president. He mentored young golfers in the summer learn-to-golf program. In 2012 Norm won the Maine State Class B State Championship.

Norm was an Oxford Federal Credit Union Board member for many years.

Norm lives on through his wife, Marie; his children Kristin (Adam) Parys, Kevin (Jennifer) Charleston; grandchildren Benjamin, Maxx and Emily; sisters Darlene (Paul) Wintle, and Jolene Paradis, sisters-in-law Ann Regan, Dorothy Regan, Patricia Regan, Barbara (Gary) Hogg, Rita McDonough and husband Robert Travis, Teresa Regan, brother-in-law, Wayne Hedrick; also, many nieces and nephews.

Norm was predeceased by his parents; sister-in-law, Joan Hedrick, brother-in-law, David Driscoll; and nephew, Robert McDonough.

Thanks to the nurses and staff of Andwell Health Partners Hospice, whose care and compassion enabled Norm to remain comfortable at home with his family. Norm was thankful and appreciative for the family and friends who visited and shared stories, laughter, and tears, and played cribbage, his favorite card game.

Celebration of life will be held at Black Mountain of Maine on Sunday Aug. 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. with remembrances starting at 2 p.m. Join us in dressing casually in honor of Norm’s casual spirit.

Friends and family are invited to share memories of Norman at http://www.meaderandson.com.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Andwell Health Partners, Black Mountain of Maine or Chisholm Ski Club.