MARK NORMAN

NORMAN--Mark Packard, died peacefully at his home in Lakeland, FL, on June 6, 2021. He was born to Francis Kendall Norman and Louise Amanda Packard in New York City on July 14, 1936, only a few days after the hottest day on record of 106 degrees. Mark was the grandson of civic leader Mark W. Norman, Probate Judge and Town Counsel for the city of Darien, CT for 27 years. One of Mark's favorite memories was of traveling the Panama Canal with his grandfather in 1948. Mark joined the Navy in 1955. He was an Honor Graduate of the Aviation Ordnanceman School of the U.S. Naval Air Training Center and went on to serve on the USS Boxer in the Pacific until 1960. Following his service Mark returned to Connecticut where he pursued his career as a master mechanic for the Ford Motor and Cadillac companies. For many years, Mark enjoyed driving across the country to car shows and "talking shop" with other Hot Rod and antique car enthusiasts. Mark's ancestors on both sides were among the earliest settlers in America and took part in all of the wars. Following in their footsteps, Mark was a longtime supporter of Veteran affairs, including Honor Flight, Wounded Warriors, Fisher House, the Walter Reed Society, and the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. At the age of 65, he began a bold, decade-long project to restore three WWIIera trucks that he found in Norway, Belgium, and Denmark. In addition to his support of our country's Veterans, Mark generously supported St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the local medical relief efforts in Polk County. Mr. Norman is survived by son Thomas Norman (Crystal Norman), daughter Heather Trojan (Kevin DeSantis), son Richard Shapter (Danielle Shapter), and Toby, his faithful furry companion. A memorial service will be held on June 24 in the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel at 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland, at 11am, and will be followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.