HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LOUIS "LON" O. NORMANDIN II

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LOUIS "LON" O. NORMANDIN II

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E181-E182] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LOUIS ``LON'' O. NORMANDIN II ______ HON. SAM T. LICCARDO of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Louis ``Lon'' O. Normandin, II of Monte Sereno, California. A beloved Silicon Valley businessman, philanthropist, and community leader, Lon passed away on December 17, 2025, at the age of 91. Born and bred in San Jose, Lon graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory and earned a business degree from Santa Clara University, and then proudly served our country as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He married his high school sweetheart, Margaret ``Peggy'' Normandin, and together they shared seventy years of marriage and raised a large, loving family. Following his military service, Lon Normandin carried on his family's storied business legacy, serving as President and Chairman of the Normandin car dealership, a family enterprise bearing the Normandin name since its founding in 1875 as a horse-carriage manufacturer. Under his leadership, the dealership continued as a family-run business through its fifth and sixth generations, a rare achievement in America that reflects the deep bond between the Normandin family, their business, and our community. Over more than sixty years in the auto industry, Lon earned national recognition and led dealer efforts to rebuild Chrysler alongside CEO Lee Iacocca. Lon became a finalist for the national TIME Dealer of the Year award, and he helped lead his industry as Chairman of Chrysler's National Dealer Council and as President of Chrysler's California Advertising Association. A renowned community and business leader, Lon also co-founded Heritage Bank in Silicon Valley. Lon Normandin demonstrated a deep commitment to living out his Catholic faith, supporting many in need, and particularly education for children from struggling families. As a generous benefactor, he served on the boards of the Catholic Community Foundation, Santa Clara University, Bellarmine College Preparatory, Presentation High School, and Notre Dame High School. He led major fundraising efforts to build and expand Catholic elementary schools in the area, helping to establish San Jose's Saint Frances Cabrini School, Holy Spirit School, and Sacred Heart Nativity Schools. Lon served the community and his faith as a longtime member of the Knights of Malta, and he was a familiar face at the 6:00 a.m. daily Mass. His generosity extended beyond the church; for many years he volunteered weekly at Martha's Kitchen in San Jose, serving meals to neighbors in need, often bringing his children and grandchildren along to embrace the value of service. Above all his accomplishments, I remember Lon for his kindness. Lon treated everyone with respect, offered a ready smile or laugh, and sought to help anyone in need--and many came to him and Peggy seeking help. He served as a wonderful role model for me in my youth, and as I have learned, for many others. [[Page E182]] Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Louis ``Lon'' Normandin, II and in extending our deepest condolences to his beloved wife Peggy, their six children, fourteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Family was the great joy and foundation of Lon's life. We honor Lon Normandin's legacy of faith, family, and service, and express gratitude for the example he set. May he rest in peace. ____________________