WESTFIELD: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norman Bruce Fiedler, 77, (1944 – 2022) of Westfield, MA. He died surrounded by his loving family in one of his favorite spots by the ocean, in Longboat Key, FL.
Born in Lowell, MA to the late Paul R. and Virginia Lee (Morrison) Fiedler, he was raised in Barrington, RI and graduated from Barrington High School in 1962. He was a standout athlete and went on to attend the U.S Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT where here he played football under the legendary Otto Graham. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island and worked in sales until opening Entre Technologies in West Springfield, MA. With a team of loyal employees, he ran a successful business for 30 years.
Norm is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Sandy, and his devoted daughters Jeanine Braceland (Rob) of Westfield, MA and Terri-Lee (T-L) Fiedler of West Hartford, CT; his sister and best friend Lee Bellamy of Riverside, RI (Bob); Sandy’s children Elise Carrier (Andre), of Feeding Hills, MA and Ryan Grady (Kate) of Portland, OR. Fondly known by his 9 grandchildren as “Papa”, he leaves Riley Carrier, Delaney Miles, Blake Braceland, AJ Miles, Shea Braceland, Megson Grady, Levi Carrier, Owen Carrier, and Otis Grady. Norm will also be missed by his first wife Jeannie (Doyle) Fiedler, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Norm was predeceased by his brothers Paul Fiedler (Doreen) and James Fiedler (Maureen.)
A selfless and generous man, Norm believed the most important treasure in life was nurturing relationships, which he likened to “Polishing Marbles.” He shared his God-given talent of playing the piano and brought music into the hearts of all who knew him. He was the Head Football Coach at Suffield Academy from 1991-1996, where he won the Prep School’s first New England Championship in 1992. During his tenure, he positively influenced the lives of hundreds of student-athletes, many of whom have become lifelong friends.
Norm’s funeral service will be Thursday, April 14th, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Rd., Westfield at 1PM. Calling hours will be Thursday from 10AM-12PM at the Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield St., West Springfield.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the “Norm Fiedler Scholarship Fund” at Suffield Academy, 185 N. Main Street, Suffield, CT 06078. Venmo: @Suffield-Academy-1
