Norman L. Ricard

PETERSHAM - Norman L. Ricard, 83, of Petersham, MA, passed away peacefully with his niece at his side, commending his soul to God, Friday, July 19, after an illness. He was born and raised in Willimantic, CT, son of the late Joseph L. and Alice (Tatro) Ricard. Mr. Ricard graduated from Windham High School Class of 1948 and graduated from the University of Hartford, Trinity College, He served in the United States Air Force. Mr. Ricard continued his nursing career at New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston for many years. He lived in Boston for many years before purchasing Tower Hill Horse Farm in Petersham, MA. Mr. Ricard was a skilled carriage rider and enthusiast. He loved nature and had a unique way with animals. He could call his horses home from the fields by yelling “house” and they would come running to the barn. His love of animals led him to have several unique pets including a pot bellied pig and a skunk.  He will be missed by his beloved dogs, MoMo and PoPo. He was predeceased by his sister, Cleo R. Smith of Willimantic, CT.  He leaves his sister, Theodis Zimmer of East Hartford, CT; his nieces and nephews, Wayne, Richard IV, John, Christine, and Alice-Ellen; 8 great nephews; 2 great nieces; and many cousins. He will be missed by his many friends who could retell the stories he told like when he saved the life of the King’s son, or the way he could “make a frog in his throat”. “And so on and so forth”. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 23, at 11:00 A.M. in West Road Cemetery, Petersham, MA. Those wishing to join the procession to the cemetery are asked to meet at Fiske Funeral Home, 1356 Main St., Athol, MA at 10:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Petersham Dog Shelter. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.fiskefuneralhome.com. Fiske Funeral Home 1356 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });