Norman Lidstone

Norman Lidstone, 84, of Portsmouth, RI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on July 3, 2024. Norm was the son of Kenneth and Fanny (Arnold) Harris of Warwick, RI.

He joined the U.S. Coast Guard after high school. While stationed at Castle Hill in Newport, he was Coast Guardsman of the year in 1969. He served in Newport, Boston, MA, Hawaii, and Block Island, RI. He retired in 1979 as Chief Machinery Technician after 20 years of service.

Norm was married for 58 years to the former Patricia Rolando. Norm was a gifted mechanic and boat operator who also loved working on cars, including restoration of a '56 Thunderbird, but was most comfortable at the helm. He had a passion for the ocean, working on the Josephine G, The Spirit of Newport, and Northeast Marine Pilots. He also owned Aquidneck Island Crane.

He loved having a few brews with friends at the Mooring, camping trips with the family, visiting Disney World and around Florida, New Hampshire, and right here in upstate RI. He and Pat spent 13 winters at the Sarasota Bay R/V Park in their motor home.

Norm used his many talents to help family and friends. He was a selfless and genuinely kind person.

Norm is survived by his wife Pat, daughter Karyn, grandchildren Candice Wicks (RJ) of Portsmouth, RI, Leah Hibbad of Tempe AZ, and Jacob Hibbad of Bristol RI, brother Kenneth (Doreen) of CT, a sister Linda DiStefano of Warwick RI, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, and beloved son Terry.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 10:00am at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Rd., Portsmouth.

Burial will be private.