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Norm Willey Obituary
Nicknamed "Wild Man," Willey played in 92 games for the Eagles from 1950-1957 and earned All-Pro selections three times (1953, '54, '55). He was named to the Pro Bowl, as well, in 1955 and 1956.
After his playing days concluded, Willey remained in the area, and became a teacher and driver's education instructor for 30 years at Pennsville (N.J.) High. He was also an assistant football coach there.
Willey was selected by Philadelphia in the 13th round of the 1950 draft out of Marshall. His career ended in 1957.
A two-sport star with the Thundering Herd, Willey was inducted into the West Virginia school's Hall of Fame for his achievements in football and basketball.
Willey will be remembered in football circles for an incredible game he had on Oct. 26, 1952. According to accounts, in a game vs. the New York Giants, he posted 17 tackles of quarterback Charley Conerly behind the line of scrimmage.
But sacks were not recorded as official statistics back then, so he is not known as the single-game sack leader in NFL history. That title belongs to former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas, who posted seven on Nov. 11, 1990, vs. the Seattle Seahawks.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
56 Entries
Michael Buchy
February 8, 2018
Their you go Mr Willey, Eagles won the big one!! I thought of you and my father today. Frank "Bud" Buchy. You worked together at Pennsville. He always spoke highly of you and loved football. I only knew you as a young kid and met you a few times when I was lucky enough to go to work with my pop. Now both of you are gone but not forgotten. God bless.
Jack A Beckett
September 3, 2014
In the 1950's Norm Willey would workout during the off seasons on our baseball field in Pine Grove, WV where he had attended high school. He was always very responsive to any questions we would ask about college and sports. He was a mass of a man!
Vincent Hess
September 30, 2013
I know this is two years late, but I have lived in Florida since leaving Pennsville and joining the Air Force. I recently acquired a couple of football trading cards of the "Wildman" including the one in this obit. I googled his name and learned of his passing. He was my Driver Ed and Gym teacher at PMHS. He was always a great guy and will be missed throughout the community. I just recently came across a great article written in Sports illustrated a few years ago concerning his infamous 17 sack game against the Giants. When the reporter asked "how do you know you had 17 sacks?" Norms answer was : back in thouse days we were paid $10 a sack. The films would be reviewed on Monday and the paycheck tuesday. I received and extra $170.00 in my pay check." He optimized a player playing for the love of the game, not for the money. My condolences to the entire Willey, Lange, Gorman families.
Jim Wilson
October 8, 2011
I met Norm at New Castle DE McDonalds. We would sit around with a bunch of guys and talk about anything and everything. I will remember Norm for his many jokes and the friendship we developed.
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June Lange
September 2, 2011
Norman lives in my heart forever. He was a special guy. Jimmy, Sweetie, and I miss him very much, and always will.
Steve Humanick
September 1, 2011
Ms. Lange and the Willey family.
Just learned today of the passing of Mr. Norm Willey...very sad. He was my drivers ed teacher at PMHS and on the first day of class as he read through the students names he came across mine and said "Humanick what are you doing in this class...I already know you can drive because I see you drive past my house every time after you wash your fathers car". I believe I was about 14 years old when I started doing that. We lived on the other side of the pond on Woodside Drive and it was about a year before my father found out I was traveling that far away from our house after washing his car. I told my late father that I really wanted to make sure I got the car nice and dry! I was also a big fan of Mr. Willey in part because of his pro football playing days but also because he was just a great person to talk to. He reminded me of my father and would also stress the importance of patience and the value of the little things in life including the value of a penny. I remember Mr. Willey telling me that it drove him crazy to see kids (back in the early mid 80's when I was in high school) throw pennies away/on the ground. I knew what he was talking about because my parents were from the same generation were a penny really did in fact mean something during the time when they were kids themselves. I missed watching Mr. Willey every Sunday at the Vet grab onto the visiting players jerseys as they were introduced onto the playing field. Norm would man handle any and every player who tried to leave that tunnel early and did so with ease even at his age. Scott I am sorry for your loss and also remember you being a ball boy and one of the kids who would yank up the line in order to get the net up behind the goal posts after every touchdown or field goal attempt at the old Vet. I still maintain the Eagles season tickets my father started back in the mid 70's but its not the same anymore for many reasons. Again I am sorry for your loss and God Bless.
Nancy Davis-Erwin
August 28, 2011
Ms. Lange and the Willey Family, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I, like many others, learned to drive with Mr. Willey at PMHS, and remember those times fondly. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.
August 26, 2011
What a guy! After teaching me health and drivers ed in his orange Beetle, and hearing lots of great stories, I travelled to Marshall Univ. in 1969. I had my first class with one of his nephews. I also knew his brother Harold. There was a larger than life picture of him in the univ. gym and it seemed it should have been in PMHS somehow. The laughs and lessons that were part of the man will never be forgotten. Condolences to the family.
Jack Hoffman
Pennsville, NJ
Roxanne Russell-Thomas
August 24, 2011
I owe my driving skills to Mr. Willey. He was a very patient man who made sure I never missed a dental appointment.They would drop me off, drive around, and come back for me. He taught me to be patient also and I loved his show. PMHS has lost a legend. RIP Wildman.
August 24, 2011
The Patricia Snyder Family, from Pennsville, NJ, send our sincere condolences to Normans family. More than 30 years of absence from sight, not from mind. May God Bless all of u, and know you are in our thoughts and prayers....Patricia, Leanne and Valerie (Snyder)
Gayle C. Ray
August 23, 2011
Condolences to Ms Lange and Norm's family. The first memory of Mr. Willey that comes to mind is Driver Ed. You know you did well if you made it through your turn behind the wheel and Mr. Willey did not spill one drop of coffee from his cup! Fond memories of a fun teacher, a fine man.
Michele Lewis
August 23, 2011
Kyle I am truly sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Michele Lewis
robert butler
August 23, 2011
Our sincere sympathy go out to Mr.Willey's family.We have lost a great role model,friend,and inspiration.He will be missed by all he has touched.
Julia (Judy) Carey
August 23, 2011
I remember the first day I had drivers' ed. with Mr. Willey. He complained about his knees being in the glove compartment & I think I actually scared him going around the high school a little too fast. When I got my license, I had a car accident & he called me Crash...I loved him and my heart goes out to you all. ps: I loved his TV show, too...never missed it!
Linda Ingram
August 23, 2011
My sincere sympathy for your loss. Norm helped me cope with the loss of my mom earlier this year. He will be missed.
August 23, 2011
To the Willey Family: We can’t begin to express how deeply sorry we are to learn of the passing of your husband, father, grandfather. We remember Mr. Willey as a gentle giant with a huge smile and a hearty laugh. He always took the time to say hello which usually resulted with a big bear hug or at times give you a look that told you he knew what you were thinking and about to do. I remember him from the days of the Pennsville Swim Club, sitting under the porch with “the ladies”…who knew he was exchanging recipes and giving them cooking tips….we thought he was just sitting up there because it was the best place to watch over “his pool and kids”. We always don’t understand how or why God chooses those to be a part of his heavenly family, we only know he chooses the best, and he certainly chosen one of the best. May all the memories you share and hear help to ease some of the sorrow you feel today. All our thoughts and prayers are with you, Bill and Mary (Buyarski) Murphy
August 23, 2011
My very Dear Dear friend, June and all the family,
I am sorry about the loss of such an awesome and larger than life person. I pray for you to have some peace at such a difficult time. June...I am always here for you and thinking of you very very often. Love you!
Jenn Mc
William Morris
August 23, 2011
I met Norm many times at the spa. He was a real Gentleman. Never to busy to chat about the Eagles. I had the pleasure of watching Norm play with the Eagles and he could hold his own. Rest well my friend and may God look over you and your Family.
Teena (Marshall) Leydig
August 23, 2011
Ms. Lange, the Willey family and Scott,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Scott, your dad was a great teacher. He played well on the field and in life. You should be very proud of him.
Linda Kelly-Biesecker
August 23, 2011
I remember driving the drivers ed car with Mr Willey in the passenger seat, stopped at a stop sign when a police car stopped to our right and Mr Willey opened the car door screaming "help me" to the police!! I never wanted to drive again! RIP Mr. Willey.
August 22, 2011
RIP Norm Willey....from one West Virginian to another.
Ruth Fluharty (Wetzel County, WV)
Roland and Sara (Saunderlin) Polk
August 22, 2011
Not only did Norm teach me how to drive, but he also taught my lifesaving class. Imagine a 17 year old girl trying to rescue that big football player in a 10 ft. deep pool! Great times in school and at the pool will be remembered and cherished by many. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family. May God give you peace.
Hester Bastain
August 22, 2011
Rest in peace, He will be greatly missed as we all will one day, God is watching over him now.
August 22, 2011
Please allow me to extend my heartfelt condolences for the recent loss of your dear love one Norm. He will be missed by family and friends.God promises at Psalms 34:18 to be near those that are broken at heart and crushed in spirit. Joan Wilson, Florida.
Frank Fox
August 22, 2011
Norm was truly a great teacher and mentor for all of us who knew him at Pennsville High. He never spoke of his achievements, only what he wanted yours to be. His infectious smile and matter of factness made him unforgettable. The news of his passing means we can never replace him, only feel blessed to have known him.
gail mitchell
August 22, 2011
there was never a dull moment; we will miss you and we will not forget you.
Thomas phillips
August 22, 2011
To the family and friends of norm willey a great human being and a great friend wil be sadly missed my deepest sympathy I had the plasure in meeting him at his and mine favorite place about 5yrs ago at mcdonals resterant I did not know of his fantastic football and teaching careers until later we had some great talks about his life his family and growing up on his familly farm the thimg I will truly miss is his grate outlook on life and his grate humor I to have lost a loved ome last august my father so I can sympathzie with you I once heard a sagimg god only takes the best and norm was the best of the best im proud and honered to have known such a kind and wonderful human being god bless you all at this difficult time
Darren and Theresa Tilton
August 22, 2011
Ms. Lange and Willey family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful teacher and will always be remembered as "Larger than Life".
Reverend Raina Hamill
August 22, 2011
Dear Family, I remember his Great Career and how Proud he was of his sport ! May God's arm's keep him safe and in His Heaven !
WB & Family
August 22, 2011
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Norm will be missed. As you reflect on the memories, please take the time to find comfort from the words at Ecclesiastes 9:5 & 10.
Daniel Willey
August 22, 2011
Norm Willey was my Uncle. My Father Hursel Willey often spoke of him. My father was a Soldier, I'm a Soldier and my son Christopher is a Soldier. We collected his player cards and spoke of him like we knew him. Military service causes a Soldier to miss many things in life. We will join him in heaven. God bless the entire willey family. Wild Man Willey may have left this world but he will never depart from our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless.
Dan & Sandra Willey
Fort Sill Oklahoma
Donna DelVecchio
August 22, 2011
Please accept my condolences, your dad sounds like a man that you could be very proud of......I'm so sorry for your loss.
Barbara J.
August 22, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. He was a great teacher and a kind man. He could always make you smile even when you didn't want to.May God bless and keep you in your time of sorrow.
Sharon (Watt) Bruen
August 21, 2011
Ms. Lange and the Willey family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Willey was a great man. The lessons that I learned with him have kept me safe while navigating through the sea of aggressing that is on the road every day. He will live on as a guardian angel and co-pilot forever.
He took so many of us under his wing and not only taught us how to drive, but also how to navigate through life. He went out of his way to make a positive impact on his students' lives and that will never be forgotten.
August 21, 2011
Kyle and Family---Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Kyle, although I never your met your Dad, I can easily envision how your face would light up and how animated you became any time you talked about him . There was no doubt, based on your demeanor, that you loved your Daddy and were quite proud of all his accomplishments! We will praying for peace and comfort for you all.
With sincere sympathy,
Laurie and Fran Turtoro
Lisa Lee Harp Waugh
August 21, 2011
Mr. Willey was a man that i certainly will never forget. My dear daddy was one of his fans.
Dawn Boulden {nee Harmer}
August 21, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to the Willey Family. Mr. Willey was a great man! He made learning to drive fun! I Have very fond memories of drivers ed and Mr. Willey.
Robin Waddington Knook
August 21, 2011
Mr. Willey's presence lit up the room, he was a pleasure to have as a teacher as well as enjoyable and taught me how to drive...he was one of the "good" guys at PMHS. Thanks
Robin Waddington Knook
Frank Gault
August 21, 2011
As Marshall graduates, we express our sympathy to the Willey Family on the loss of Norm. Although we didn't know him personally, we did know his brother, Harold, another great man.
Our prayers are with the family
Justine (Endres) Hammel
August 21, 2011
Mr. Willey, besides being a huge man, was a huge influence on ANYONE who attended Pville high when he was a teacher. I remember as a kid watching my father and his race car crew on "the Wildman Willey show". I remember walking into Drivers Ed and after he called my name the first day he stated" I have no doubt you know how to drive, but do you know how to drive slow"? Scott and family Im sorry for your loss, your dad was a man who made a difference to us all...
Andrew Soltys
August 21, 2011
Norm and Pete Pihos will no doubt start another Eagles football squad in Heaven. My deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones. Norm was a great football player and gentleman. May he now Requiescat in Pace (Rest in Peace). Thanks for the memories Norm.
Bonnie Rhea
August 21, 2011
Dear Willey family,
Growing up in "Churchtown" and going to PMHS I remember Norm and his family well. May God give you all comfort as you mourn.
Bonnie Quigley Rhea
Annette Hamilton
August 21, 2011
I am so sorry for you and your families loss Scott. I often think of you and wonder where you are and what you are doing. Please accept my sympathy. Annette Schuh Hamilton
brant emery
August 21, 2011
wild man will live in the hearts and minds of many of us who had the pleasure of hearing him tell his stories to us in class.
i will always remember his big smile and "penguin man" swagger.
god bless you norm, rip.
brant emery class of 1970 pmhs
August 21, 2011
Mr. Willey was my Driver's Ed Teacher in the early 80's and I'll never forget this. I told him my mom had made choc. chip cookies the night before and when it was my turn to drive he said, drive to your house so we can get some cookies, and we did. My mom was very suprised and laughed but gave us all cookies. My condolences to the family.
Sonya Morrison -Porch
August 21, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of your loss,He was a wonderful mentor
Henryk Zaleski
August 21, 2011
Rest in peace.
Tayo Lopes
August 21, 2011
I'm sorry to hear of Mr. Willys passing.Loved him in high school and always watched him at the Vet as he pushed the players onto the field during intros.Norm "Wild Man" Willey, the unofficial (should be official)record holder with 17 sacks in 1 NFL game.My condolances to the entire family.
Harry Curriden
August 21, 2011
I was saddend to hear of Mr. Willey's passing. I remember Mr. Willey's ready smile and good humor when I was a student at PMHS. He was a true gentleman.
steven stancia
August 21, 2011
RIP
Pete Ulicny
August 21, 2011
Mr. Willey's game with 17 sacks must have been amazing. May he rest in peace. God bless his family and friends.
Theresa Campbell
August 20, 2011
May the peace of God that excels all thought give you peace during this town of sorrow.
R Golay
August 20, 2011
To the the family of Norm Willey - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
August 20, 2011
Condolences to the Willey family on your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Doris (Fisher) Carder
August 20, 2011
Dear Willey Family,
I was so sorry to read about Mr. Willey when I logged onto the Internet (of all places) today. You and your family are in my prayers.
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