Jason, Norman S.
Norman S. Jason, most recently of Crystal River, Florida, passed away after a brief illness on July 18, 2021, surrounded by family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Linda M. Jason. Norman was born on May 16, 1936, the only child of George and Marjorie Jason and grew up in Cohasset, Massachusetts. He remained deeply and actively connected to his close-knit Cohasset community throughout his life. He graduated from Cohasset High School in 1954, where he excelled at football, baseball and basketball, and developed his life-long passion for singing and theater. He continued to shine in athletics and performance at Bates College, graduating in 1958, and earned his Master of Education degree from Northeastern University in1960.
Norman held a long and distinguished career in education, first as a history teacher, then as an administrator of independent schools. His service as Headmaster of Pine Point School (Stonington, CT, 1971-1979), The Independent Day School (Middlefield, CT, 1979-1985), and the Crossroads School (Paoli, PA, 1986-1991) transformed these schools in enduring ways. In his later years, Norman served as Admissions Director at The Winchendon School in Winchendon, MA and The Marvelwood School in Kent, CA. Whether working as a teacher or administrator, Norman always made time to coach athletic teams and direct musical theater productions, cherishing these opportunities to develop personal relationships with students at his schools. The significance of Norman's influence on the lives of generations of students, families, and colleagues cannot be understated.
Norman and Linda retired to Durham, CT, where he immersed himself in the community, participating in the Exchange Club and serving on the local historic district commission, among other activities. He was an active member of the Middlefield Federated Church where he sang in the choir. He moved to Crystal River, FL in 2017 where he quickly built a full life playing golf with his buddies, volunteering in the local library and soup kitchen, and contributing his beautiful tenor voice to the choirs of both the Crystal River United Methodist Church and the First Baptist Church of Crystal River. Norman was a long-suffering but devoted Red Sox fan, whose loyalty paid off with their successes in his later years.
Norman is survived by his six children, Cynthia Sullivan (David) of Higganum, CT; Bonnie Jason (David Schneider) of Homer, AK; Meredith Jason (Chris Conte) of Washington, D.C.; Wendy Jason of Takoma Park, MD; Christina Cook (Jeffrey) of State College, PA; and Jeffrey Nelson (Jennifer) of Berkeley, CA, as well as his 11 grandchildren, Carter and Kyle Sullivan; Patrick (Elizabeth), Kenneth, and Emily Schneider; Alex and Billy Conte; Liam and Kieron Cook; and Leif and Elin Nelson. Norman's love of sports and music and his commitment to education has been passed down through two generations. He supported and took great pride in his children's and grandchildren's endeavors, whether on the playing field, on stage, or in the classroom. His
family loved him dearly and treasured every moment they spent with him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be sent to the Norman S. Jason Endowment Fund at Pine Point School (https://www.pinepoint.org/support/endowment) or the Middlefield Federated Church (http://
www.mfcct.org/home.html).
A graveside service will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 250 Gypsy Ln, Meriden, CT 06450 on Saturday, July 31st at 10:30 am. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home 88 E. Main St., Meriden. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com