NORWICH – Norman G. Smith, 87, life-long Norwich resident, passed away Monday morning, Feb. 2, 2009, at his home.
Born in November of 1921, the son of Hyatt and Pearl Tiffany Smith, Norm lived most of his life in the Rexford Street area. He attended both St. Paul’s and Norwich High Schools and began his working years with the Norwich Wire Works and its successor, Bennett Ireland. On Nov. 20, 1942, in Norwich, he married Beatrice Swartz. With the advent of World War II, Norm became a “Seabee,” serving his country in the United States Navy until he received his honorable discharge. Norm’s last employment was with TACO in Sherburne, where he worked as a tool and die maker and was president of the union there. When at home, he enjoyed sitting on his front porch and watching the traffic go by and helping Bea with the care of handicapped people they took in. When Bea became interested in ceramics and began teaching classes in their home, Norm supported her by doing the wiring and electrical work on the lamps and items Bea and her students created. In 1993, Norm received his 50 year certificate for membership in the Alert Hose Company of the Norwich Fire Department, a membership which totaled 68 years at the time of his passing.
Norm is survived by his children: Gary Smith and wife Diane, and Linda Munro and companion George Lindridge, all of Norwich; his grandchildren: Stephen Munro Jr. and wife Alison, Justin Munro, Todd Smith, all of Norwich, Lisa Rissberger and husband Todd of Lake Placid and Heather Fretto and husband Nick of Berne, NY; and his great-grandchildren: Ayralynn, Chelsea, Fynn and Stephen III Munro, and Curtis and Carsyn Rissberger. He was predeceased by his wife, Bea, on July 27, 1990.
Funeral services for Norm will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Brian Conover, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church, will officiate. Entombment will be in the spring in the Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 on Friday at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.
Please consider memorial contributions to either the Alert Hose Company, Norwich Fire Department, 31 East Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes Street, Norwich, NY 13815.