Norman ROLFE

ROLFE, Norman, 85, passed away on September 28, 2009. He was born May 29, 1924 in New York City and lived there until he entered college at the University of Richmond. In his freshman year, Norman met his future wife, Bertha Cohen, a high school senior. After serving in World War II, he returned to Richmond and married Bertha, to whom he was devoted for more than 63 years. Norman co-founded Southern Distributors, Inc., a wholesale sundry, toy and school supply business, and served as president of the firm for many years. In retirement, he volunteered at the Massey Cancer Center Library at Stony Point, serving patients with good cheer and wisdom, and often side-by-side with Bertha. Norman battled non-Hodgkins lymphoma for more than 15 years. Norman's greatest joy was being with his children, grandchildren and extended family and lifelong friends. In addition to Bertha, he is survived by his son, Robert M. Rolfe; daughter, Robin R. Partin; son-in-law, Richard N. Partin; former daughter-in-law, Catherine S. Rolfe; grandchildren, P. Alexander Rolfe and his wife, Aparna, Asher B. Rolfe and his wife, Douglas, Joel A. Rolfe, Zachary A. Rolfe, Nathan M. Partin and Seth J. Partin; great-granddaughter, Molly Rolfe; his sister and brother-in-law, Adele and Sheldon Safran; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lillian and Seymour Dworsky; numerous nephews and nieces. He was a member of Congregation Beth Ahabah. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Massey Cancer Center, Box 980214, Richmond, Va. 23298-0214.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.