William Edward Norrington

William Edward Norrington October 12, 1917 - October 24, 2010 William E. Norrington died peacefully at his home in Los Alamitos on October 24, 2010. Bill, age 93, was born in North Hollywood in 1917. He was the captain of the 1939 UCLA soccer team, and graduated with a major in astronomy. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy's "90 Day Wonder" program, designed to train graduates as naval officers. Bill met his wife-to-be, Zelma Ruth Lillard, while in training and they were married in Chicago in 1942. Bill was in the submarine service through WWII; he completed 4 war patrols on the USS S-30 as a junior officer and 7 in the Pacific on the USS Rasher as navigation and executive officer. He received the Navy's Silver Star for service on the Rasher, credited with sinking the second-most enemy tonnage in WWII. After the war, Bill served on the USS Cusk, then commanded the submarine Guavina. He served as captain of the destroyer Maddox during the Korean conflict and of the oiler Astabula during the Vietnam War. Upon retiring as a senior naval captain in 1964, Bill taught math at San Pedro High School for 13 years, then combined his love of the piano and craftsmanship by working at, and later helping to run, the American Institute of Piano Technology in L.A. He enjoyed camping and fishing in the Sierra Mountains throughout his life. Bill is survived by Zelma, his beloved wife for 68 years; his son, Bill; and daughters, Linda and Gael; and 6 grandchildren. Per his wishes, Bill's ashes will be scattered at sea. A service celebrating his life will be held November 13 at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 11600 Los Alamitos Blvd. www.westminstermemorial.net.