Normand L. Decelles

Normand L. Decelles, 85, of Harrisville, died peacefully May 7, 2025 at Landmark Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Lorraine (Cyr) Decelles for 68 years. Born in Woonsocket, he was the son of the late Carmel E. and Alice (Gagne) Decelles.

Norm was one of the few remaining cobblers in Rhode Island. He was the last owner of the former Pierannunzi's Shoe Rebuilding of Woonsocket for over 25 years, having also worked previously for Dennison Manufacturing in Framingham for 33 years. He was a longtime member of the Cercle Laurier in Woonsocket where he joined card, shuffleboard, and quoit leagues.

Each year Norm took family camping to Maine, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island. He enjoyed boating, fishing, gardening, and traveling. Each Spring he tilled his own garden following his grandfather's old Canadian farming methods. Norm and his wife traveled the continental US, Hawaii, and Canada to visit family and friends. As a cobbler, he always made sure family was supplied with plenty of shoelaces. During his last decade, Norm could be found outside driving his tractor, cleaning his yard, cutting dead trees, or bringing in firewood. His greatest joy was the pride he took in gathering and treating as many family members as possible to dinner in a restaurant. Getting family together was his signature desire, accomplishment, and self-therapy. When not outside, Norm relaxed playing his guitar or watching Westerns or the Red Sox.
He is survived by his wife Lorraine and their children: Dr. Normand Decelles, Jr. and his wife Dr. Cindy Hansen of Cumberland; Denise Lagace and her husband Denis of Brooklyn, CT; Susan Morse and her partner Pablo Marcillo of Cumberland; Joanne Decelles-Inscoe and her husband Melvin of Winterville, NC; nine grandchildren, Alison, Carlyn, Brian, Lisa, Jason, Nichole, Michael, Matthew, and Anthony; six great-grandchildren, Colin, Kadence, Evan, Aria, Aubrey, and Anne; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His funeral will be held Friday, May 16, 2025 at 10 AM from the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in St. John the Evangelist Church, 63 Church St., Slatersville. Calling hours are Thursday from 4 - 7. Memorial contributions may be made to the North Smithfield Public Library, PO Box 950, Slatersville, RI 02876.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude for the exemplary care and caring staff of both Landmark Medical Center and HopeHealth hospice of RI.

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