04/16/2026
Norman Susee of Walpole, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026. He was 87 years old.
Norm was born in 1938 in Keene, New Hampshire, to Joseph and Winifred (Tuttle) Susee. He grew up in Keene, carrying with him the values of a small-town upbringing that would shape the rest of his life—hard work, kindness, and a deep sense of community. He later proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Dover, Delaware.
Before his time in the service, he could often be found playing guitar alongside his brother, Harold Buskey. After returning home to New Hampshire, that love of country music only grew stronger. He went on to form The Cousin Bros, a band that became a familiar and welcome presence throughout the region, first performing as Norm & Jerry (Brown). What started as a shared passion turned into something much bigger—bringing country music, laughter, and connection to countless people over the years; if you knew Norm, you knew country music was never far behind.
The band’s journey brought them to memorable stages, including the Cheshire Fairgrounds, where they opened for country legends like Barbara Mandrell, Sylvia, Billy “Crash” Craddock, and Webb Pierce. For Norm, those moments were special, but just as meaningful were the nights spent playing country music in local clubs, community halls, and anywhere people gathered to enjoy good music.
At one point, his passion for music took him to Nashville, Tennessee, where Norm and Jerry recorded two original songs, “Tennessee Street Runner” and “Eat Your Heart Out,” written with their good friend, Art Cottrell. When “Eat Your Heart Out” reached number one on radio stations in several southern states, it became a proud milestone in a life already rich with music.
Over the years, Norm shared the stage with many talented local musicians, including Davey Schroeder, Dave Lake, Dave Colburn, Roy Carroll, and Jerry Scadova. The Cousin Bros became well known for playing at places like The Valley Green, Stella’s Cellar, The Hungry Lion, and The Top Hat, as well as at The Moose, the American Legion, and the VFW. They played at weddings, anniversaries, and gatherings of all kinds—anywhere people wanted to celebrate. Longtime drummers, Mel Skinner and Tom Brown kept the rhythm going. Sometimes, they would be joined by Roy Carroll on the fiddle or the guest voices of Anita Pelkey, Marie Norway, or Joy Goodnow, which added to the band’s unmistakable sound. He later played in the band Playing Possum with Phil Bond, Mike Mialkowski and Toby and Terry Taylor.
But for Norm, it was just as much about the people as it was the music. He loved seeing a room come alive, watching others smile, dance, and forget their worries for a while. And if you were lucky enough to hear him play, you probably remember how he liked to end the night—with the song, “The Party’s Over”; It was a signature moment, one that now feels especially fitting. Though the party is over, the joy he brought to so many will not be forgotten.
Outside of music, Norm was the kind of person everyone could count on. He had a gift for fixing things—if something was broken, chances are Norm could make it work again. In his later years, he worked at L & B Trucking in Westminster, Vermont, where that dependability and skill never went unnoticed. He gave his time and talents freely, always ready to lend a hand.
He also found peace in simpler moments, especially when fishing. Even though he rarely kept any for himself, he took real pleasure in sharing his catch with others—a small but perfect example of his generous spirit.
At the center of everything was his family. Norm deeply loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He showed that love not just in words, but in the quiet, steady ways he showed up—through his actions, his reliability, and his presence. He will be remembered for his country music, his work ethic, and, most of all, his kindness and willingness to help anyone in need.
He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Winifred Susee; his brothers, Myron, Donald, Harold, Allen, and Bert Buskey; his son, Alan Susee; and grandsons, Jeremiah Lawrence and Keith Norman Snide.
He is survived by his loving wife, Calla Susee; his sons, William and Kenneth of Dover, Delaware, and Robert Susee (Larry) of Albany, New York; and four stepchildren, whom he loved as his own: Brenda Vandusen of Xenia, Ohio; Wanda Lawrence (Kevin) of Rockingham, Vermont; Pamela Howe (Jim) of Westminster, Vermont; and Kevin Rumrill of Lebanon, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Page of Swanzey, New Hampshire; Barbara Shay of Wi******er, New Hampshire; and Audrey Crosby of Plymouth, New Hampshire, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
And though the final song has been played, the country music he loved—and the love he gave—will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew him.
There will be a family graveside service at 12:00 PM on Saturday, April 25. Please join us for a celebration of Norm’s life at The Moose Club, Henry Street, Bellows Falls, Vermont, at 1:00 PM, April 25. Light refreshments will be provided.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, Vermont.
