Norman C. Gileau

Norman C. Gileau, 95, of Jewett City, beloved high school principal, passed away at his home surrounded by his children on November 3, 2025. He was born in Danielson, CT on March 16, 1930 firstborn son of the late Wilfred Gileau and Beatrice Mercier Gileau. He was raised in Danielson and graduated from Killingly High School in 1948. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Providence College in 1952, and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut in 1956. On June 28, 1952 he was married to Norma, his devoted wife of 70 years, who predeceased him in 2022.

After working for only a few short years as a teacher, Dad was chosen to be principal of Griswold High School. As a young man of only 28 years, he was hesitant to take this on for fear that it would make him more removed from direct contact with his students. As his long tenure of 31 years as principal of GHS demonstrates, he did not let this happen. He always said he didn’t work a day in his life—he just loved what he did. It kept him closer to his own children as well, since he was principal for all 7 of us. The countless stories from former students about the impact he had on their lives are a testament to the compassion and dedication he brought to this role. He was highly respected by faculty and staff as a caring leader who listened to others’ ideas, and he remained in contact with many of them over the years of his retirement. His family would always be amazed that when running into former students, he could usually recall their names as well as their relatives and tell a story about their time in high school. It always upset him deeply to learn of a former student’s or colleague’s passing. Although not a born Griswold Wolverine, he adopted the town and its people as his own, and was proud to be called “Mr. GHS” upon his retirement. Throughout those later years, he continued to be a proud supporter of GHS athletic, music, and drama events, and reveled in attending class reunions and reconnecting with his former students.

Norman was a proud and active member of his community and was very generous with his time. Some of his involvements include Jewett City Savings Bank Corporator and Director, Griswold Board of Education, Slater Memorial Library, Griswold Democratic Town Committee, Jewett City American Legion Ambulance, Jewett City Chapter-American Red Cross. Dad had a profound faith in God and was a dedicated parishioner of St. Mary in Jewett City, serving in many roles including as a lector and Eucharistic minister. He was also part of the Parish Council, Knights of Columbus, and Nocturnal Adoration Society.

Norman was a very patient, selfless, and nurturing father. He dedicated countless years to guiding his children, delighting in their triumphs and supporting them in trying times. Many of their friends also considered him a second father. Dad was so proud of the family he and Mom had created. He thoroughly enjoyed large family gatherings when he would often sit back and remark about what he and Mom had created. He was always ready to leave before she was, but would wait (sometimes not so patiently) until she was ready. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were a source of joy. He delighted in their antics and would burst with pride in their accomplishments.

Norman is survived by seven children: Sandy Symington (Scott), Judy Nagle (Jim), Steve Gileau, Jean Marttila (Bill), Mark Gileau, Sue Kobyluck (Chris), and Tom Gileau. He will be forever remembered lovingly by his 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and several bonus grandchildren/great grandchildren. His family will miss their weekly dinners where he would hold court and regale them with stories. Norman will also be deeply missed by his brother and sister-in-law Dick and Rita Gileau, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Hub and Jane Bartlett, sister-in-law Diane Poirier and their families, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is predeceased by two treasured grandsons, Trevor Marttila and Jeremy Gileau.

There will be a funeral mass held at St. Mary’s Church on N. Main St, Jewett City on Monday Nov 10, 2025 at 10AM. Burial will follow at Pachaug Cemetery in Griswold, CT. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial visitation at Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home on Sunday Nov 9th from 2-5 PM 490 Voluntown Road Jewett City, CT https://www.gagnefuneralhome.com. We encourage everyone to wear their favorite Griswold green colors in his honor. In lieu of flowers, Norman would be honored by donations in his memory to Griswold Public Schools Drama Program 267 Slater Ave. Griswold, CT 06351 or St. Mary Food Pantry 34 N. Main St. Jewett City, CT 06351.

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