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Joseph Norko Obituary
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.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Norko
Ron Saade
October 1, 2015
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.
July 22, 2015
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 the radio, I will stop and think of a great guy with a great heart whose encouraging words have never left me. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jason DiDonato
Orlando, Florida
July 16, 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 All our Devotion, Claudia, Joe and CJ DeVita
James Thorpe
July 13, 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.
Springer Family
July 13, 2015
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.
July 9, 2015
My heart hurt when I saw Joe had passed. He is with the Lord now. What a shock.
Bob Cosmo
July 7, 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
Mary Beth Walker-Adanti
July 7, 2015
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.
Laura Sambrook
July 7, 2015
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.
Shelley (Gorlewski) Murray
July 7, 2015
Please accept my sincere condolences. Joe was a friend in high school and I had the pleasure of talking to him a few times over the years. He always had a kind word and a priceless smile. He will be remembered fondly.
Paul Spadacenta
July 6, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to have work with coach Norko. His love for baseball is something I will never forget. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephen Powers
July 6, 2015
I'm shocked beyond words at the news of Joe's passing. My son Andrew practically grew up at Norko's Baseball with Joe and Tom, having worked out there from age 10 right through his college career. He was a member of the Dawgs and countless fall baseball teams fielded by Norko's and I spent countless hours watching Joe and Tom work tirelessly with young kids, teaching, encouraging, joking and becoming a positive influence in the lives of countless young people.
I saw it in my own son then, and see it now as he takes those gifts he was given by Joe and Tom all those years ago and now, here in Texas, he passes that down to a new generation of young people. Thanks Joe, for everything you've done for us and for so many others...we won't forget you friend, rest in piece...and to Tom and the Norko family, my sincere condolences in this most difficult time. May God grant you peace and comfort.
Daniel DePasqua
July 6, 2015
Rich, Tom, Steve, & family,
Sorry to hear about Joe's passing. Still remember when he greeted my son Danny at the business. " Danny did you win the million dollars at bingo" .
Joe rest in peace. You'll are missed.
Sincerely
Dan, Dannny, & Jean DePasqua
Dan McCabe
July 6, 2015
When I was a young kid, Joe taught me how to work hard, handle a little bit of tough love, and make myself a better athlete and person through dedication, perseverance, passion and toughness. Thinking back, playing for the Dawgs was the first time I really had to work so hard on something, but it certainly wasn't the last. I've hardly even picked up a baseball in the last few years (although I still love the game), but I know what I learned from Joe has been so valuable to me in countless other aspects of life. I'm far from the only one who can say that. Rest in peace, Joe. We miss you already.
Reich Family
July 6, 2015
Very shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. Joe, Tom and Steve all taught our son Alex to play baseball the right way with the Dawgs. Our condolences to the family.
Ann Rapuano/Feuerman
July 6, 2015
MaryLee [Norko] DiCaro, I am so saddened by Joe's passing. We became facebook friend because I was looking for you on facebook. I am truly sorry that I cannot be there to give you & Joe's children my heartfelt condolences. I can tell you Joe was an incredible man & a special friend.
Rick Susi
July 5, 2015
Joe will surely be missed by all who knew him. I would like to share a story with you, one that only Sheila might remember, but which ultimately showed what a good man Joe really was:
In 1987, my wife Teresa & I lived on Columbia St. in Ansonia, & Joe & Sheila were our neighbors. One night, most of our neighborhood was awakened by what initially sounded like a bomb blast. Our neighbor Mary soon called, & told my wife & I that both of our cars had been hit by a 3rd car, whose driver had then fled the scene. We ran outside & found that my car had been crushed like a soda can & pushed into my wife's car -- moving hers about 8 feet forward & away from the curb. The police & fire dept. responded, but no one was able to locate the driver & my car was towed from the scene. Joe however noticed a fresh trail of anti-freeze in the street, & suggested that the driver's radiator had been damaged & that we simply follow the stream. We grabbed a flashlight, a baseball bat & a pipe wrench, hopped in Joe's car & followed the trail for about 2 blocks. It ended next to a Cadillac, which was clearly "boxed in" by the cars parked in front of & behind it. I got out of Joe's car, & found that the Caddy's front passenger side was damaged, that my car's tail light was embedded in its grill, & that the windshield over the steering wheel was cracked clean thru. I called the Ansonia police & gave them the address. About 15 minutes later, the car's owner was lead out of his house in handcuffs. I will always be grateful to Joe for his help. May God bless his soul, & help his entire family find comfort & peace soon.
Joe Frager
July 5, 2015
My deepest sympathies to the Norko family. I played baseball with Joe at Shelton. Outstanding pitcher, great guy, great teammate. Miss you Joe.
Cindy Valenti
July 5, 2015
So sorry for the loss of Joe. My son played baseball for him for the Dawgs and other travel teams. He was an inspiration to him, and a wonderful coach. I got to know him through traveling across the US playing baseball. A lot of happy memories and good baseball. Condolences to the Norko family
Jd Lewis
July 5, 2015
RIP coach you will be missed .. You taught me so much about the game of baseball and about the game of life . I use a lot of what you taught me today and it has helped me become a great family man ..
buddy Gentils
July 5, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss i went to school with him. Joe was a great guy may God bless him.
Kristin &Dennis Deninger
July 5, 2015
Deepest Sympathy to the Norko Family.
Richard Catalano
July 5, 2015
Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Norko. Joe and his brothers taught me how to play the game of baseball the right way. He was a long time friend of my family. I offer my sincerest condolences to the rest of the Norko family
Steve Glowa
July 4, 2015
So very sorry to hear of your loss. I had the honor of playing ball with Rich, Steve, and Tom, and my son played for Joe with the Dawgs. He was a great guy and coach. My sincere condolences.
Bill Unger
July 4, 2015
To all of the Norko family, so sorry for your loss. Joe was a good man. God bless him.
Mary Artese
July 4, 2015
I knew Joe from when I worked at Sikorsky Credit Union. Always a very next ce, pleasant guy. Also had a great sense of humor. My condolences to his family. He was a good man.
Darleen Rocks
July 4, 2015
So very sorry for the loss of a wonderful man Prayers go out to all that loved him
Chip Bell
July 4, 2015
Joe and I played baseball in High School together, He was a great guy and wonderful friend. My prayers are with your family.
Michelle Fusco
July 4, 2015
Rich, so so very sorry for the loss of your brother. Much too young. My condolences to you & your family.
Fran Nicholas
July 4, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to Joe's family. My son had the privilege of being coached by what I believe to be the best coach ever. I had the privilege of working for Joe and getting to know him personally and we became friends. Joe you will be missed by many and you are loved.
Dean Husted
July 3, 2015
You were a great friend. I considered a brother, I will miss you and love you for ever.
Ann [Rapuano] Feuerman
July 3, 2015
In my heart forever Joe.
Jeannine Rioux-Rembold
July 3, 2015
So deeply sorry for your loss- Joe was a high school friend and remember him as such a sweet guy. Prayers to all...
Peter Garneau
July 3, 2015
To the Norko family, please accept my deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow. Went to Sunnyside school with joe before i moved away in 6th grade. Wish we would have reconnected . Will meet again in heaven.
arthur martin
July 3, 2015
Very sorry for your loss new joe from high school very good guy and baseball player
lynn Eck
July 3, 2015
So sorry on Joe passing. We went to high school together. He was a kind and caring man. Will be missed for sure
Jeffrey Lewis
July 3, 2015
To the whole Norko family. I am so very sorry to hear of joe passing. He was a great man . And will be missed. He did so much for my son j d through the years. And we all enjoyed are time with him. He is gone but will never be forgotten.God bless . And may he RiP
Kantorowski Family
July 3, 2015
Annielaurie, we are so sorry to hear of your dad's passing.
Prayers to you & your family.
Valeria Corish
July 3, 2015
Annie, Alan and I are sooooo sorry for your loss of your Dad........we are sending you all of your love...to you and your family...
Ann [Rapuano] Feuerman
July 3, 2015
Josh, Annielaurie, Brooke & Jillian, my sincere condolences to you. I will pray continuously that Jesus comfort you during this very heartbreaking time of your lives. Just know that Joe expressed to me in every conversation how much he loved you & your children. Rest in Peace Joe. xoxoxo
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Spinelli - Ricciuti Funeral Home - Ansonia62 Beaver Street, Ansonia, CT 06401
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