Photo courtesy of Spinelli - Ricciuti Funeral Home - Ansonia
Shelton, Connecticut
May 14, 1962 – Jul 2, 2015
SHELTON: Joseph Norko, 53, went to be with the Lord on July 2, 2015, at Hartford Hospital.
Joseph was born in Bridgeport on May 14, 1962, son of the late Stephen and Ozella Shropshire Norko. Joe grew up in Shelton, was a graduate of Shelton High School and later lived in Ansonia and Milford. He was the proud owner and operator of Norko's Personalized Baseball in Milford and then Woodbridge where he mentored and coached countless players. He was also the founder and coach of the CT Dawg's Baseball Team. Joe also loved music and played the bass guitar.
He is survived by a son, Joshua M. Norko (Melissa) of Seymour, daughters, Annielaurie Christy (Anthony) of Ansonia, Brooke E. Edo (Kyle) of Milford and Jillian Rose Norko of Woodbridge, brothers, Richard Norko (Leslee) of Shelton, Stephen Norko of Bridgeport and Thomas Norko of Ansonia, a sister, Mary Lee DiCaro (Sal) of VT, grandchildren, Joshua, Christian and Autumn Norko, Caleb Edo and Lily Christy and former wives, Sheila Norko of Milford and Robin Coe of Woodbridge..
Visiting hours will be held on Monday July 6, 2015, from 4-7 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Tuesday, family and friends are invited to attend Joe's funeral service in celebration of his life at 10:00 am in the funeral home with Pastor Vinny Provenzano officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Shelton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jillian Rose Norko Education Fund, 41 Northrop Road, Woodbridge, CT 06525. To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
I just learned of Joe's passing this afternoon. This was a man that had a firm handshake and a smile on his face. He, and his brother Tom that I played for during the CT Dawgs days many moons ago, were always there for you whenever you needed to talk. Rest in peace, brother.
Ron Saade
October 01, 2015 | Waterbury, CT
The first time that I met Joe Norko was in 1980, when I was 8 yrs old. He was like a big brother that I never had. He taught me how to box like Ali, how to play baseball, and how to appreciate any song sung by The Doors. Probably the best thing that I learned from Joe is when he taught me the proper way to give a handshake..he said "the way you shake someone's hand is the way you show them what kind of a man you are". Now, when I see an old Chevy Nova drive by or hear "Break On Through" on...
July 22, 2015
There were no limits to the love Coach Joe Norko showed my son when he would patiently mentor him. Although the vehicle Joe Norko used was instructing pitching he was really teaching life skills, discipline, love, commitment and all with a love more huge than the universe. Our family grew to adore this man we called Joe. His light still shines in our family and with tears I say... til we all meet again dear, dear Joe Norko. My love and sympathy to brother Tommy and the entire family. With...
July 16, 2015
Joe was a great Mentor to my son James, as he played for him in the Ct Dawgs. He has a big impact on James and still remembers his tips on baseball. You will never be forgotten Joe.
James Thorpe
July 13, 2015 | Naugatuck
To the Norko Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We will always have the fondest memories of all the time spent at Norko's baseball and the Dawg's baseball teams. My sons learned so much more than the game of baseball thanks to Coach Joe. We will miss you. Rest in peace.
Springer Family
July 13, 2015 | Milford, CT
My heart hurt when I saw Joe had passed. He is with the Lord now. What a shock.
July 09, 2015
to the entire Norko family,
was shocked when I saw Joey's obituary, my sincere condolences - he was a GREAT kid and teammate on the Gaels, MANY great memories from those days - he was way tooo young - may he rest in peace and be smiling down upon us,
my sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and him,
best,
Bob Cosmo, Thornton , NH
Bob Cosmo
July 07, 2015 | Thornton, NH
I have known Joe since our Sunnyside School days. We recently reconnected. I will always remember his kind words. Wish we had more time to get together. My condolences to his family.
Mary Beth Walker-Adanti
July 07, 2015 | Derby, CT
Joe and I were school mates,saw each other and reminisced a week before his passing at a grocery store. So happy I got to chat w him. Loved him then, love him now,and will see him again in heaven.godspeed Joe. Xox also god bless his family.
Laura Sambrook
July 07, 2015 | Ansonia, CT
