Norman A. Gardella, 89, Retired Haverhill Police Officer

Retired police officer Norman A. Gardella, 89, died on Dec. 16 with his family he loved so dearly by his side.

Born in Haverhill on May 10, 1929, he was the son of the late James and Louise (Botto) Gardella. He was a lifelong resident of Haverhill and a faithful man of God.

Gardella graduated from the Haverhill Trade School and served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. A Haverhill police officer, Gardella proudly served his community for over 30 years. Upon retiring, he dedicated 20 years to the Groveland Housing Authority. Gardella’s work ethic was impeccable. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a “tremendous” core value system that defined who he was. He frequently verbalized to his family, “Your happiest days are your working days.”

An avid outdoorsman, Gardella enjoyed hunting and fishing for over 40 years in Aroostook County, Maine. He was also a well-known “handyman” offering help to anyone in need. Above all else, he treasured the time spent with his family. He enjoyed cooking and relaxing at home by the fire while watching a favorite movie or ballgame. The legacy of Gardella’s kind spirit, larger than life heart and his devotion to family and friends will carry on forever.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Mary E. (Doherty) Gardella, his three daughters Maria E. Bridges and her husband Thomas of Danville, N.H., Kathy M. Gardella and her fiance Jack Forman of Hampton, N.H., and Julie M. Sinopoli and her husband Joey of Haverhill, grandchildren Joshua, Scott and Derek Short, sister-in-law Anne Gardella, and several nieces and a nephew. He was also the brother of the late James Gardella.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours on Thursday morning from 9-10:30 a.m. at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. on Thursday in St. James Church, Winter Street, Haverhill. Burial with Marine Honors will be in Haverhill’s St. Patrick’s Cemetery.