F. Norman Totten PhD, Rev

F. (Frank) Norman Totten, PhD., Rev. of Newton passed away peacefully at home on March 23 at the age of 88 with his beloved wife Martha (Lach) of 44 years at his side.

Born in Morrilton, Arkansas, Norman spent much of his childhood on a working family farm in Benton, AR at the foothills of Ouachita Mountains.  Norman got up at 4 a.m. to do his chores before walking miles to get the school bus. His nearest neighbor was two miles away by road. Norman went on to graduate from Benton High School as Valedictorian.  

Norman attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas and graduated with a BA in Literature and Philosophy (’57) and was class Valedictorian.  While at Hendrix, he was a member of numerous clubs notably Spanish, Pre-Theology and served as sophomore class president.

Norman earned his Master of Divinity in Systematic Theology, Boston University School of Theology (’59).   He was a Pastor with Calvary Methodist Church, Newport, RI (1960-61); Newton Methodist Church, Newton, MA (1962-1966).  In the 1960’s, Norman was instrumental in social justice and supported the civil rights movement by travelling to Mississippi to help local black Mississippians achieve the right to vote. 

Norman returned to Boston University as Director of Admissions for the School of Theology and Lecturer with Metropolitan College while continuing his education. He received a Master of Arts in Church History (’69) and PhD (’77) in History (Medieval Western Europe, Early Islamic Civilizations, Archeology of the Eastern Mediterranean). Norman joined Bentley University as Associate Professor of the History Department and later as Chairman of the History Department. He was committed to building the History Department and expanding its scope in the areas of ancient and medieval civilizations of Eurasia and America.

Norman was also Editor of The New England History Association Publications; and the 1995 recipient of the Kidger Award for Excellence in Teaching and Research in History.   Norman was the President of The Epigraphic Society and the Society’s publication ESOP (Epigraphic Society Occasional Publications), focusing on the study of ancient inscriptions and scripts.  Norman authored 60 articles on topics ranging from “Mediterranean Motifs, Scripts, and Artifacts Found in Pre-Columbian America,” “Old World Contacts with America,” “Iconography of the Narmer Palette: Origin of Egyptian Writing.”

Norman and Martha were married at The Eliot Church of Newton on May 12, 1979. They shared a life of family, friends, colleagues, and adventure of world travel. Norman’s interests led them to six continents and to remote places, exploring and experiencing world cultures, including the San Blas Islands off Panama; Choco villages in Columbia; and study of the Kuna & Choco cultures. Norman conducted and lectured on tours for Archaeological Tours, NY.

Norman treasured the time spent with his grandson, Max and sharing stories. He loved nature and adored his pets. He took immense joy in his home and creating a unique garden.  Norman loved gatherings of family, friends, students, and colleagues around the patio or dining room table.   

Norman was known for his quick wit, love of people, and his intellectual and spiritual passion.

Norman is survived by his wife Martha (Lach) Totten;  his beloved daughter, Julie Totten and her husband Neil Johnson of Newton; his beloved late son Mark A. Totten; cherished grandson Max Johnson of Newton; also his much-loved niece Tedlin Lach of FL and Hicham Naciri considered a son (originally from Morocco).

Norman predeceased by his brother-in-law Michael Lach and survived by his sister-in-law Edythe Lach of FL; brother-in-law Thomas Lach and his wife Loraine Lach of Dedham; brother-in-law Stephen Lach of Dedham (formerly Quincy).

He leaves behind many dear & special cousins, including his close first cousin Dr. Buford Suffridge and his wife Lynda Suffridge.

A celebration of Norman’s life is planned for April 15, 11 am, The Eliot Church of Newton 474 Centre St., Newton, MA 02458, and will be live streamed https://www.eliotchurch.org

The family wants to thank the compassionate care given by the Good Shepard Community Care of Newton. Norman’s caregivers, Jennifer, Carlos, and Samra were incredibly devoted to his comfort & care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Norman’s memory to Good Shepard Community Care, 160 Wells Ave., Newton, MA 02459.

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