Norm Sanborn Sr., quintessential voice for veterans, dies at the age of 95

A Spaulding High students at this year's Spaulding commencement escorts Norm Sanborn Sr. to the podium where he received his honorary diploma and special recognition for his service to his country. (Courtesy photo)

TILTON - Norman G. Sanborn Sr., 95, died at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton on Oct. 27, 2023. He was born on May 24, 1928, to Guy R. Sanborn and F. Mabel (Morrill) Sanborn in Rochester, the city he loved, and where he lived his entire life until moving into the Veterans Home in 2020.

Norm lived and worked on his family's farm in his early years, before spending much of his teen years living and working with his one-armed grandmother on her Rochester farm as well.

In 1945, at the age of 16, Norm quit school to join the Merchant Marines, where he served on ships that sailed into mine- and wreckage-filled waters at the tail end of WWII and embarked on dangerous cleanup missions after the war ended. He also served in the Navy Reserves until 1955 and prided himself on the hands-on education his time in service to this country provided, which would serve him throughout his life--including practical lessons in things like basic electricity and wiring, which he would share with his children, and later grandchildren, when they were moving into houses of their own.

Upon returning to Rochester after his year in the Merchant Marines, Norm met and fell in love with Ruth Whetnell of Milton. In the beginning, Norm would borrow his father's chicken truck just so he could take her on dates. For obvious reasons, the pair quickly tired of that truck, and they pooled their money, $5 per week, to purchase a shared car of their own -- even though Ruth didn't have a license. The vehicle they purchased for $100 allowed them to see each other more often, and that's when they started making the rounds to every dance hall and roller rink they could find in New Hampshire and Southern Maine. The pair made it a practice to enter dance competitions and took home quite a few trophies for their Jitterbug skills before and after they married in 1947.

Norm quickly developed a knack for car sales, starting at Broadhead Ford in Dover, and eventually transitioning into a successful career as a Truck Sales Manager, working for a number of car and truck dealerships in the region. Along the way, Norm and Ruth had three children: Ruthan, Norman Jr., and Robert. Norm also cultivated a gigantic family of a different sort through his enthusiastic membership in a number of clubs and organizations, serving as a lifetime member of the N.E. Chevy Truck Club, past President of the N.E. Ford Truck Managers Club, and a Senator in the J.C.s. He was also known as an integral liaison between the Elks, Masons, Knights of Columbus, Victory Club, American Legion (Post 7), VFW, AMVETS, and other fraternal and non-profit organizations.

In his retirement, Norman made a name for himself as an outspoken champion and supporter of veterans and veterans' organizations throughout New Hampshire. He served as President of the Veterans Council in Rochester for many years, providing in-person support by visiting veterans with his committee members in local nursing homes, and providing education on available services to veterans at the Elks Lodge and elsewhere. In addition, he provided education to local school children about veterans who served in WWII, made presentations on veterans' activities to the Rochester City Council, and hosted his own television broadcast on the City of Rochester cable channel, where he interviewed representatives of local organizations and others in regard to veterans' activities.

Norm regularly joined in veterans' activities at the Manchester VA Hospital, the NH Veterans Home in Tilton, and the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen; lent his time to flag retirement and flag day ceremonies; and organized and participated in Memorial and Veterans Day parades, which he would walk in--even in his 90s.

He also regularly volunteered to place wreaths and flags on veterans' graves throughout the Rochester area.

It was with great pride and personal planning that he chose to move himself into the NH Veterans Home in 2020. During his time at the Home, he initiated a new tradition of Red Shirt Fridays, in which staff, residents, visitors and families were encouraged to wear red in a visible show of support for Veterans--a tradition that is expected to continue going forward. He also continued to be active and engaged in causes, clubs and communities he loved both inside and outside the Home, right up until the final days before his death. He was always up for an outing to listen to great music, dance as much as he could, catch a fun show, and socialize. As his friends and acquaintances of all ages (who are too many to mention) will tell you, he was the life of the party. He never slowed down in his quest to enjoy life, just as he never let up on his attempts to help others, and to ensure that our veterans were remembered, cared for, and respected--for which he was lauded by a number of our State's Senators, Congresspeople, and other officials in the years before he passed.

In June of 2023, Norman was awarded an honorary diploma from Spaulding High School in Rochester--78 years after he quit school to join the service.

Norm was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Angela (Bertha) Buthker, and his beloved wife of 69 years, Ruth.

Norm is survived by his three children, Ruthan and her husband Ben Dagostino of Exeter, Norman Jr. and his wife Debbe of Rochester, and Robert (Bobby) and his wife Anita of Rochester; two nephews, Doug and Gregg Walker; a niece, Marie Casburn; and several cousins. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Mark and Matthew Dagostino, Staci (with her husband Matt Benjamin) and Christina (with her husband Dr. Ryan Joyce), and Aaron Sanborn; as well as nine great-grandchildren: Michael, Sophie, Bianca, Kyle, Mason, Elijah, Matalena, Elizabeth, and Winston. And he loved them all.

The entire family would like to thank the amazing staff at the NH Veterans Home in Tilton for caring for Norm--and allowing him to care for and entertain them in return--during his magnificent final three years.

ARRANGEMENTS

A wake will be held on Sunday Nov. 5 at Edgerly Funeral Home in Rochester, with visiting hours from 2 - 6 p.m. In the tradition of Red Shirt Fridays, guests are invited to wear red shirts to the wake if they would like to.

A funeral service will be held Nov. 6, 11 a.m., at the Edgerly Chapel in Rochester, followed by burial at Rochester Cemetery on Franklin Street,

While donations of flowers are welcome, donations to the NH Veterans Home in Tilton are encouraged.