Norman Steadman, age 95, of Oceancrest Farm, Shore Road, Westerly, died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020 at Apple Rehabilitation, Watch Hill. He was the husband of the late Nancy M. (Rathbun) Steadman, his wife of 52 years, who preceded him in death in August of 2005. Born in and a lifelong resident of Westerly, he was a son of the late Ralph E. and Cora (Potter) Steadman.   

He was a graduate of Westerly High School, Class of 1943. During high school, he was an accomplished cartoonist, with publication in the Providence Journal and military publications during World War II.

He served in the U.S. Army, 10^th Mountain Division, in the Italian Alps during World War II. A sergeant, he received a Bronze Star with three battle stars. He took part in the rapid advance from Bologna to Riva and the Occupation of Trieste, Udine and the Dolomites.

Following the war, he received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Engineering Industrial Management from the University of Rhode Island. He was a Program Manager for General Dyanmics Electric Boat Division in Groton, Conn., building nuclear submarines and test plants for 42 years, retiring in the early 1990s.

He was a member of Central Baptist Church, Westerly, where he served as a former superintendent of the Sunday School program for more than 25 years, was an Adult Bible Study teacher for many years, and was part of the men’s painting group and the Avondale Chapel Committee.

In later years, he attended Dunn Corners Community Church, along with Avondale Chapel every summer, where he was the unofficial greeter.

Norman was a 74-year, life member of the Westerly Volunteer Fire Department – Rhode Island Ones.  He was active for many years as a Boy Scout volunteer, teaching merit badge courses and sitting on advancement boards of review for many years.

Norman had a lifelong interest in Archeology and Biblical Archeology. He was a devoted wildlife and environmental conservationist, a gardener and one of the last World War II survivors of the 10^th Mountain Division Association in Rhode Island. 

Norman is survived by four children, Jeffrey W. Steadman (Alisa), Bristol, Timothy Y. Steadman, Wareham, Mass., Cynthia C. Steadman Crandall (John), Charlestown, and Andrew M. Steadman, Bristol; five grandchildren, Graham S. Lombardo (Rebecca), Matthew P. Lombardo (Jaclyn Sousa), Charles Andrew “Drew” Lombardo (Stacey), Hannah W. Lombardo Lusk (David) and Jacob W. Steadman; five great-grandchildren, Charlie, Emma, Olivia, Thomas and Zoey; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Ann D. Steadman Lombardo (Charles T., III), a sister, Isabelle Kenyon (Cyril), and two brothers, Roland Steadman (Grace) and Ralph E. Steadman, Jr.

Funeral services and burial with military honors will be held at a later date due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Potter Animal Rescue League, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842 or online at www.potterleague.org.

For online condolences, shared memories, information go to www.buckler-johnston.com.