CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Normand La Chance

Normand La Chance, born on October 4, 1969, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, at the young age of 55. It is fitting that he left us on a day dedicated to gratitude, as we hold immense thankfulness for the time we shared with him.

A proud native of Riverside, New Jersey, Normand was a remarkable individual who excelled in every aspect of life. As a varsity runner, scholar, actor, and musician during his school years, he was a true renaissance man. His yearbook photo, adorned with a multitude of activities, could have filled a novel. Normand was not confined to a single group; instead, he embraced friendships across all circles, embodying a spirit of inclusivity and joy. He was the epitome of style, taking pride in curating the perfect outfit for every occasion, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

After high school, Normand brought his talents to the Surf Flight Theater before attending Rutgers University. There, he earned a full scholarship and made history as the only graduate in his class to receive three undergraduate degrees in just four years. He continued his academic journey at Fordham University, earning his Master’s in Business Administration. His ambition led him to New York City, where he began his career at Ralph Lauren, answering the phone for the iconic brand. He later joined Pfizer, where his exceptional skills were quickly recognized, leading to promotions and a fulfilling career.

Normand’s adventurous spirit took him to California, where he made many friends and enjoyed life to the fullest. He cherished his time at the Russian River, went wine tasting, and traveled to Puerto Vallarta with his California friend group. His hard work at various pharmaceutical companies led him to his dream job at Gilead, where he was particularly proud of his contributions to the launch of seven product lines. Residing in the picturesque Foster City, he enjoyed the serenity of lake views and the simple pleasure of feeding ducks and their young.

Normand leaves behind a legacy of friendship and love. He is survived by his brother Patrick, sister-in-law Jennifer, their daughters Abby and Jessica, and Abby’s children, Lydia and Sam. He will also be missed by his cherished cat, Bandit, who now resides with Patrick. He is predeceased by his beloved mother, Shirley, and his grandparents, Lillian and Rocky. Normand’s circle of friends is vast; among them are his New York girls—Sylvia Annamanthadoo, Elisa Pletchon, and Julia Broderick—who brought him immense joy, along with Russ Anger, his steadfast pillar of support. He maintained a close friendship with his childhood friend and neighbor, Peter Ward and he shared 40 years of adventures with Marti (Martha) Graf Wenger, his constant sidekick and keeper of secrets.

A viewing will be held on Friday evening, December 20, 6 to 8 p.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, located at 337 Bridgeboro St., Riverside, NJ 08075. Following the viewing, a cocktail party will take place at Café Madison from 8 PM until 11 PM, located at 33 Lafayette St., Riverside, NJ 08075.

On Saturday, December 21, there will be an additional viewing from 9 AM to 11 AM, followed by eulogies at 11 AM. Following the eulogies, the burial will take place at Monument Cemetery, located at 812 Bridgeboro Rd., Edgewater Park, NJ 08010.

For those wishing to send flowers, please contact Riverside Floral Company at 856-461-7744. For those requiring overnight accommodations, we recommend A-Loft, which can be reached at 856-234-1880, located at 558 Fellowship Rd., Mount Laurel, NJ 08054.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a local animal shelter or by adopting an animal in need of love in Normand’s honor.

Normand, you are deeply loved and missed. Your bright light will forever shine in our hearts.