Normand Genest

Southbridge...Normand was born on September 3, 1951, in Salem, Massachusetts, to Henry and Rita Genest. Normand was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lisa (Pion) Genest, who passed in November 2024. He is survived by his younger brother, Bertrand (Bert); his sons, Justin and Aaron; and his cherished grandchildren: Colby, Noah, and Misako Genest.  Normand will lovingly be remembered as a Husband, Father, and Grandfather. (aka Norm, Dad, Padre, Pep, and Yaya).

Normand attended La Salette Seminary in Enfield, New Hampshire, before continuing his studies at Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was there he met Lisa, and at the age of 20 they were married, beginning a lifelong partnership that would shape the course of their lives. With the birth of their first son, Justin, in 1972, Normand’s path shifted toward family and service.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force later that year on September 18, 1972, as a Ground Radio Communications Technician, completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas and the United States Air Force Electronics School at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Following his training, Normand and his family—along with Lisa’s mother, Elizabeth—were first stationed in Bucks Harbor Air Force Station, Maine, where they soon welcomed their second son, Aaron, in 1974. Our family lived in Maine until December 1975, when Normand received his orders to report to the 792nd Radar Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina.  Upon arrival, he was selected to work at the Ground Air Transmitting Receiving (GATR) facility, and our family spent five years in sunny, warm Charleston, South Carolina. During this time, Normand finished what he started, and graduated from Baptist College in Charleston, SC with a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration.

Normand’s continued dedication and exceptional work performance led to his selection for Officer Training School (OTS), where he earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant in December 1979. 2LT Genest was subsequently stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana, where he served with distinction as a Deputy Missile Combat Crew Member with the 10th Strategic Missile Squadron (SMS), "First Aces," under Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the height of the Cold War from 1979 to 1982.  Norm established a superb record, and this position held top responsibility involving the direct control of nuclear weapons and supervision of 20 personnel.  Despite the tremendous demands of the job, he performed flawlessly and established a reputation for excellence, backed by solid duty performance.  He was honorably discharged in 1982 and returned to Massachusetts.

Following his military service, Normand built a long and steady career with the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier. Never one to stop learning, he later earned a Master’s degree in Psychology from Westfield State University, became a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) dedicating himself to helping others.

In retirement, Normand and Lisa enjoyed a quieter life together with their beloved pets and treasured time spent with their grandchildren. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures—camping, kayaking, archery, ping pong, and watching Westerns. Normand lived an honorable and full life defined by service, curiosity, and devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A full Military Honors funeral service will be coordinated and held for close family and friends.

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