Louis O. Normandin

Louis (Lon) O. Normandin II, resident of Monte Sereno, passed away at the age of 91 on December 17. He led a full and beautiful life as a beloved husband, father, grandfather (“Papa”), and friend, dedicated to giving back to his community. Lon was born on May 18, 1934 in San Jose, graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory, and earned a business degree from Santa Clara University. He married his high school sweetheart, Margaret (Peggy) and served as first lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Lon and Peggy were married 70 years, with six children including Caren Normandin, David (deceased) (Michelle) Normandin, Lisa (Harlan) McHugh, Mark (Julie) Normandin, Diane (Carlos) Azevedo, and Paul (Lisa) Normandin, 14 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Family was the great joy and foundation of Lon’s life – he loved traditions like being the mummy at the annual family Halloween party, was present for countless grandkid school and extracurricular events, and brought his family along for the ride on adventures from Yosemite to Europe. He had a great sense of humor, a firm handshake, and never passed up an opportunity to go to dinner (preferably at Aldo’s in Los Gatos) or celebration of any kind. Lon built an enduring legacy of support for local business and philanthropy in the Bay Area – he believed in giving back to the community. He served as the President and Chairman of the Normandin car dealership, which has borne the family name since its founding in 1875 as a horse carriage manufacturer. The dealership is now a fifth- and sixth-generation family business, led by Lon’s sons Mark and Paul and grandsons Matt and Scott Normandin. In Lon’s 60 plus years in the auto industry, he was a finalist for the National Time Dealer of the Year award. He was Chairman of the National Dealer Council, working with Lee Iacocca in Chrysler’s rebuilding years while also serving as President of their California advertising association. He was also a founder of Heritage Bank in Silicon Valley. Lon had a strong passion for Catholic outreach, education, and scholarships. He served on many boards including the Catholic Community Foundation, Santa Clara University, Bellarmine College Preparatory, Presentation High School, and Notre Dame High School. He fundraised to build Saint Frances Cabrini and Holy Spirit schools, and supported Sacred Heart Nativity Schools. Lon was active in the Knights of Malta and a regular at 6 a.m. Mass before work. He was also on the board of directors for Martha’s Kitchen and served meals to those in need as a weekly volunteer for many years, often bringing his children and grandchildren along to help. A funeral service will be held on December 27 at noon at St. Mary Church Los Gatos. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lon Normandin Charitable Fund at the Catholic Community Foundation (https://catholiccf.org/lon-normandin-fund/) or call (408) 995-5219.