John Norman Ball, 80, of Gloucester, set sail on his final voyage from the Den Mar Nursing Home Friday, November 29, 2013. Norman was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on February 2, 1933, the beloved son of the late John and Mary Ball. He was a kind, generous and fun loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle and was always there with a helping hand, a word of encouragement or sage advice. Norman had a great love of the sea and was a proud “Newfie."
Norman attended Gloucester High School until he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He attended Bentley College and graduated from Northeastern University where he was president of his class and editor of the yearbook. He was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus.
Norman honorably served his country in the United States Air Force where he was stationed at the White House as a Military Police Officer. He later served in Korea during the Korean conflict as a Military Police officer and sharp shooter. Norman was awarded the United States Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
After graduating from college, Norman worked in the insurance industry for many years. He was employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield, Metropolitan Life, and Savings Bank Life Insurance Company. Since his retirement, Norman enjoyed sport fishing and spending the weekends antiquing with his sisters. He was a die-hard Red Sox and Patriots fan and an avid reader. He frequently bestowed gifts of books on his graduating nieces and nephews.
Norman had a great love of life and his family. He enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Florida, and to Newfoundland. Norman was a great of lover art, music, and dancing, and was quick with a joke. He is dearly loved and will always live in the hearts of those who loved and knew him.
Norman is survived by one daughter, Suzanne Lapham wife of Richard of Gilmanton, New Hampshire, one grandson, Alex, also of New Hampshire; siblings, Maxwell Ball and Judith A. Neves of Magnolia, Sherrill A. Beaulieu of Gloucester, and France E. Smiledge of California, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother-in-law John Neves.
One of Norman’s fondest memories was of singing in the choir and serving as an acolyte at St. John’s Episcopal Church where the boys were paid 25 cents. (The girls were not paid anything, and Norman never let his sisters forget it.) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church.
The family of Norman Ball would like to thank the staff at the Senior Care Unit at Addison Gilbert Hospital and the staff at Den Mar Nursing Home. The extraordinary care and compassion they showed to both the patient and the family makes them an exemplary example of their profession. They cared for Norman and his family with kindness, compassion, and dignity. Your efforts will always be greatly appreciated.
In keeping with Norman’s wishes, there will be no visiting hours and burial and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.