Obituary of Norman Christiansen

Retired Burlington Police Officer Norman B. Christiansen, a retired Burlington Police Officer, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, May 16, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 82 years old. Norman was a lifelong resident of Burlington. He raised his children on the same street that he grew up on. He was a Burlington High School Class of 1954 graduate. He later earned his Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University. Despite working full time and having a young family at home he graduated on the Dean’s list. During the 1960’s and 70’s, if you were pulled over in the town of Burlington, there was a good chance it was Norman or one of his three brothers whom were all Police Officers in town. His brother, Arnie, was the first to join the force in 1958. Norman followed in his footsteps in 1959 and soon after Carl and Paul also joined the force. He served as an officer in Burlington for 30 years. He did everything from walking a beat, patrolling the streets, to running the station. He was very proud of his service to the community, keeping the town he loved safe, and assisting those in need. He received several awards and accommodations as an officer. Norman and his brother Carl were also big supporters of the Jimmy Fund. They were recognized by the charity for their fundraising efforts and received the Ted Williams Award. Norman had a strong Catholic faith which he strengthened as a parishioner of St. Malachy’s Church. You would find him at the 4:00pm mass on Saturday or the 10:30am mass on Sunday. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the church’s Prayer Group, Marriage Encounter Program and the Lahey Hospital Ministry. He was very proud to have earned his Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus. In Norman’s eyes, there was only right or wrong. There was no gray area. That was how he lived his life, always doing what he felt was right, honorable, and Christian. Norman’s life revolved around his family. There was nothing he would not do for them. He was the devoted, loving husband to his wife Marilyn for 60 years. They started dating in high school. They were always together and shared the same values. He was a strong role model to his children. His home was the gathering spot for his children and their friends. He supported them in their sports, activities, interests, education and work decisions as well. His three granddaughters were the apple of his eye. They could do no wrong. He was so supportive and excited about their accomplishments. He would not only attend Julianna’s games, but also loved watching her various practices, especially enjoying watching his Viking Princess play hockey. He loved hearing about Izzy’s soccer and basketball games. He enjoyed sharing history lessons with Marissa. Norm’s family happy place was York, Maine where they spent over 50 summers together as a family. He enjoyed traveling especially to the Island of Aruba. There was never any doubt in his families’ mind when it came to how much Norman loved and cared for each one of them, including his three faithful companions Emmie, Bella and Nessa. Norman was the son of the late Neils and Ellen (McKee) Christiansen. He was the beloved husband of 60 years to Marilyn (Connolly) Christiansen. He was the loving father of Jane Harrington & her husband David of Burlington, Paul & his wife Riza of Houston, TX, and Beth French & her husband Gordon of Bedford. He was the extremely proud grandfather of Marissa & Isabella Christiansen and Julianna French. He was the beloved brother of Carl & his wife Dolores of Burlington, Paul & his wife Joan of Wells, ME and Burlington, the late Kurt & his late wife Mary, and late Arnold & his late wife Audrey. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Tuesday, May 22 at 10 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 11 a.m. Visiting hours Monday from 5-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Norman’s name may be made to People Helping People, P.O. Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803.