Rev. Norman William Bourdon
Deceased: 2026-03-20
Diocese: PROVIDENCE
ICTE Spring: 2008
Reverend Norman W. Bourdon, 78, Pastor Emeritus of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Cumberland, Rhode Island, died March 20, 2026. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, son of the late Normand and Genevieve (Fitzpatrick) Bourdon, he attended St. Clare School, Woonsocket. In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at the Seminary of Our Lady of Providence, Warwick, Rhode Island, and at St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore. He was ordained a priest on September 29, 1973 at St. Philip Church, Greenville, by Bishop Louis Gelineau. Immediately following ordination, Father became Assistant Pastor at St. Philip Parish, Greenville, serving in that role until 1978. He also served as Assistant Pastor at St. Matthew Parish, Cranston (1978 – 84) and St. Augustine Parish, Providence (1984 – 1991). In 1991, he was appointed Pastor of St. Joan of Arc, Cumberland, and served there until his retirement as Pastor Emeritus in 2024. In addition to his parish duties, Father Bourdon served as Dean (Vicar Forane) of diocesan Deanery IV from 2007 – 12. Father made sabbatical studies at the North American College, Rome, in 2008. In retirement, Father resided at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul Residence, Providence.
He is survived by his siblings, Paul Bourdon and his wife Paulette, David Bourdon and his wife Kathie, Sr. Mary Bourdon, RJM, Judith Padula and her husband William, Thomas Bourdon and his wife Victoria, and Peter Bourdon and his wife Mary. He also leaves his sister in law, Nancy Bourdon, 22 nieces and nephews, 53 great nieces and nephews, and 7 great great nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Edward Bourdon.
On Friday, March 27, at 4:00 PM, the Rite of Reception of the Body will take place at St. Joan of Arc Church, 3357 Mendon Road, Cumberland, followed by the Office of the Dead (Evening Prayer). Calling hours will then be held in the church until 7:00 PM.
A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of Father’s soul on Saturday, March 28, at 10:00 AM in St. Joan of Arc Church, Cumberland. In lieu of flowers, donations to Our Lady of Providence Seminary, 485 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI, 02908 in support of Vocations to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Providence, in memory of Father Bourdon would be greatly appreciated. The Burial will be private.
