Norris E. Ingersoll

LISBON FALLS – Norris E. Ingersoll, beloved husband, father, and best friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 19, 2022, at his home with his family at his side. 

He was born in Princeton, Maine, the son of Alfred and Gertrude Ingersoll. Norris grew up in Lisbon Falls and graduated from Lisbon High School where he was an accomplished athlete.

Norris served four years with the United States Navy during the Korean War conflict and pitched for the All-Navy Baseball Team. He met and married Fay Swift of Rehoboth, Maryland, on Jan. 21, 1956, and returned to Maine to reside in Lisbon Falls.

Norris attended and graduated from Farmington State Teachers College receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in 1961. He taught in the Auburn School System at Webster Junior High School. During his four- year teaching tenure he was actively involved in the programs of the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department and served as program coordinator during the summers. This experience led to his appointment as the Auburn Parks and Recreation Superintendent serving a distinguished 34-year career. He was saluted for his key role in numerous community activities from the programming and developing of Tot Lot to senior citizens facilities. He initiated the development of softball/baseball fields and various sports programs – little league baseball, flag football, early youth hockey, seniors slow-play basketball, cross-country skiing, bike rodeos, cheerleading, track and field events, playground activities, Little Theater, fishing derbies, and the Auburn Community Band.

Norris was applauded for his contribution to the establishment and the development of the Auburn Boys and Girls Club. His proposal to the National Guard to transfer the Hasty Memorial Armory at Pettengill resulted with an award of property to the city in 1978 and the development of a recreation utopia all of which left an indelible mark on Auburn. The ice skating/current turf facility at Pettengill Park was named Ingersoll Arena in recognition of his dedicated service. 

In addition to his commitment to Auburn Parks and Recreation, Norris and his wife Fay became the proprietors of Playtime Sports; an athletic goods store located in Lewiston which operated for over two decades.

He was passionate about his community and incredibly civic-minded, volunteering to spearhead the development of the Lisbon Recreation Department, the existing track at Lisbon High School and the ever-popular Lisbon Trail. Norris was also involved in several community and national fraternal organizations for many years.

Norris treasured the love and laughter of being with family, friends, and his dogs. He believed strongly in the importance of hard work and the profound benefits of a good education.

Norris is survived by his daughter Debora Ingersoll, son-in-law Curtis Harris and many dear friends. His wife Fay passed away in 2013. 

The Ingersoll family expresses its heartfelt appreciation to the many skilled and compassionate caregivers who provided wonderful support especially noting Pamela Byras, our kindred spirit.

A celebration of Norris’s life will take place at The Holy Trinity Church in Lisbon Falls on Aug. 4, 2022, at 11 a.m.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at http://www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Norris E. Ingersoll Summer Camp Scholarship Fund for disadvantaged children.

Send to:

City of Auburn

60 Court Street

Auburn, Maine 04210