Obituary of Norman Edward Down

Norman Edward Down, 77, of Peabody and formerly of Saugus and Georgetown, died peacefully Tuesday morning at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington with his family by his side following a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Maureen F. (Curran) Down and the beloved and devoted fiancé for the last two years of Virginia “Ginny” Slattery of Peabody. Born in Melrose, he was the son of the late Edward M. and Thelma (Dodge) Down. He was raised and educated in Saugus and graduated from Saugus High School, class of 1958. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree at Clark University in Worcester in 1962 and later received his Master’s Degree in Education from Salem State University. Norman began his teaching career at Saugus High School where he taught for 4 years, followed by 35 years at the Belmonte Middle School. Norman was a long-time member of both the William Sutton Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Saugus and the Charles C. Dame Lodge in Georgetown and his 50-year membership was acknowledged in January,2017. He was a railroad enthusiast, a member of the Library Committee at Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunk, ME and served as co-editor of their newsletter as well. He was chosen by the Images of America Series, which honors cities and towns across America, to author the book about Saugus, MA. He also was very active with the Winthrop Playmakers and served as a lighting director for many years. Besides his fiancée Virginia Slattery, he is survived by his three loving sisters, Susan Down of Kingston, NH, Ellen Down of Malden, and Luanne Blanchard of Northwood, NH, his nephew, Mark Blanchard of Concord, NH, and his two nieces, Melissa White of Hooksett, NH and Kate Davis of Salem, NH. Following cremation, family and friends are asked to gather on Monday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Brooksby Village Chapel, 300 Brooksby Village Dr., Peabody. A Masonic Service will be held at 10:30 AM followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St, Framingham, MA 01701 or to the Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046.