Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy
Norman R. Paradis, 76, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Lodges Assisted Living in Springvale, surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived.
He was born in Sanford, Maine on January 17, 1950, to Gerard and Pauline (Boucher) Paradis. He grew up in Sanford, attended local schools and graduated from Sanford High School with the Class of 1970. Sanford was always home to Norman, and throughout his life he remained deeply connected to the community and the people he loved.
Norman dedicated nearly 40 years of his working life to WASCO in Sanford, where he fabricated skylights and earned the affectionate nickname, “The Legend.” Known for his strong work ethic, reliability and quiet determination, he took great pride in his work before retiring in 2015 at the age of 65. His coworkers and friends will remember him not only for his skill and dedication, but also for his dry wit and wonderful sense of humor that could brighten any room.
Outside of work, Norman found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved listening to music, especially classic rock from the 1970s and 1980s, and looked forward to summertime outdoor concerts in Wells. At home, Norman was happiest working on projects around the house, tinkering and fixing things with care and patience.
Though he was a quiet man by nature, Norman’s love for his family spoke volumes. He was kind, loving and deeply devoted to those closest to him. Following the passing of his beloved wife, Jenny, in 1992, Norman devoted himself to raising his son as a single father, providing unwavering love, strength and support through the years. He was blessed in 2015 to find companionship and happiness again with his significant other, Claire Thibeault, with whom he shared many cherished years.
He was predeceased by his wife, Jenny Paradis; his parents; his stepfathers, Andre Auger and Roland Landry; and by his brother, Leo Paradis. Norman is survived by his significant other, Claire Thibeault of Sanford; his son Marcel Paradis and his wife Crystal of Springvale and his sister-in-law, Debra (Poisson) Paradis of Springvale.
A graveside service was held on Thursday, May 28th at St. Ignatius Cemetery on the Berwick Road in Sanford. https://conroytullywalker.com
Geoffrey Titherington of Sanford, a respected and beloved business leader who dedicated his life to civic service, died peacefully in the arms of his family on May 23, 2026, after living courageously with Alzheimer’s for several years.
Born in New York City in 1946 to Dr. John Bisbrowne Titherington and Barbara Ferguson Titherington, Geoff lived on the 6th floor of an apartment building across the street from Columbia Presbyterian, the same hospital in which he was born and where his father was a surgical resident. He loved to play in the park, visit the Natural History Museum and torture the downstairs neighbor – along with his younger brother Greg – with their heavy footsteps.
The family moved to Falmouth on his 6th birthday in 1951. He recalled in his autobiography assignment for freshman English class, “Although I didn’t have a party, I was glad we moved to Maine because we could do many things including have snow fights and build snow forts, climb trees and make treehouses, and have friends run in and out of the house without having someone bang on the pipes or the ceiling.”
As a child, Geoff developed a deep sense of community that would guide his life. During his early years, Geoff was involved in Boy Scout Troop 44 in West Falmouth, ME where he reached the Star Scout Rank and was voted into the Order of the Arrow. A National Merit Scholar at Falmouth High School (earning him the nickname ‘Merit’) Geoff went on to attend the University of Maine at Orono, where he studied art and played on the soccer team. He built a life defined not only by a hardworking spirit, but by service to others and a deep investment in his community. Upon graduation in 1969, Geoff moved his young family to Sanford and began his career as General Manager of Shaw’s Ridge Farm, and later founded Titherington Gallery, an Art and Framing store.
Geoff purchased Bonanza Steakhouse in 1985 and for over 35 years, the restaurant was a treasured place to gather and eat. Under Geoff’s leadership, Bonanza provided many employment options for the community; for some it was their very first job, for others, via the nonprofit Waban, it was a way to build self-confidence and a sense of belonging.
It was Geoff’s commitment to community philanthropy that most defined his heart and his impact. While impossible to name them all, he served as chair or President at over eleven community non-profits. Geoff was a founding member of the American Legion Baseball team and founding board member of the Sanford Mainers LLC Baseball team. Drawing from Sanford’s rich history in baseball, the group brought America’s favorite pastime back to Sanford’s Goodall Park for the good of the community and to create a legacy for Sanford. In 2019, the Mainers and the Town of Sanford dedicated the Goodall Park concession stand to him in honor of his 17 years of service.
Geoff found great joy in travel, community events, live music, comedy shows, cheering passionately for UMaine hockey – his license plate proudly reflected his devotion. He and his wife, Rachel, especially enjoyed trips to the Virgin Islands and the many travels connected to Geoff’s civic and community work throughout Sanford, opportunities that allowed them to spend time together while supporting causes and organizations important to them both.
Above all else, Geoff most cherished time spent with his children and their families. Summers around the pool were filled with cannonballs, laughter, wonderful conversation, Dad jokes, playful jabs, and Geoff at the grill serving his world-famous racks of ribs while surrounded by the people he loved most.
Geoff is predeceased by his theatrical and fun-loving younger brother, Gregory. He is survived by his wife Rachel Titherington, sister Jeanne Titherington, and 6 children who were lucky to call him Dad: Tiffany Titherington, Tari Pendleton, Tyler Titherington, Randi Blaisdell, Jaimi Titherington, and Kaiti Titherington. He also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved ones whose lives were enriched by his humor, generosity and love.
A private celebration of life will be held at the end of June in Sanford, Maine. https://conroytullywalkeer.com
Joseph Richard Alfred Turmelle, a former Sanford Police officer for 22 years died on May 8, 2026.
Joe was born in Somersworth, NH on August 5, 1934, to Ralph and Lucinda Turmelle. He was educated at St. Martin School. Later he earned an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement from Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute in South Portland. Joe served in the Air Force and joined the Air National Guard at Pease Air Base where he received an honorable discharge. After retiring from the Sanford Police Force, he worked many odd jobs in the community. His hobbies included coaching, basketball, weightlifting at the YMCA, bowling, and golf. He was a dearly beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
Joe is predeceased by his parents, his brother Roaul L. Turmelle, sister Pauline Turmelle, and son Ronald Turmelle. He is survived by his wife, Nancy I. Turmelle; son, Richard Turmelle; two daughters, Cathy Woodman and Karen Bouchard; sister, Lorraine Ouellette; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held on June 11, 2026, from 5-7 pm at Bibber Memorial at Autumn Green (47 Oak St., Alfred). A graveside burial will be held on June 12, 2026, at noon at the Southern Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. https://bibbersautumngreen.com
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