Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Norman David Gassman
Norman David Gassman
Obituary
Guest Book
Norman Gassman Obituary
He was born on January 21, 1942, the third child of Herman Gassman and Ida Fishkind in Dayton, Ohio. Norman was his mother's baby. He attended Fairview High School in Dayton, and the University of Cincinnati.
Foot-Lites, the shoe store, was his baby. Starting in 1972, Norman created, owned, and operated 3 very successful Foot-Lites in the greater Cincinnati area, along with franchises in Columbus, Ohio and Florence, Kentucky. They were magical - winning several awards for design and best fashion funk. The shoe dogs in the industry called him "Stormin Norman" because of his aggressive business style. He also lectured at the University of Cincinnati School of Fashion Design, mentored students and employees, created a store co-op program, and a shoe design competition with prize.
In 2002, Norman created his last Foot-Lites on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida - his retirement store, and more magic. He decided to sell the store in 2007, go traveling with his wife, and spent the next 15 years, very happily volunteering around Sarasota. He volunteered everywhere - 5 days a week. His favorite positions were at Mote Marine and Jewish Family Services, where he was Volunteer of the Year in 2016.
Norman is survived by his loving wife and business partner of 50 years, Stephanie Gassman; his daughter Michelle, son-in-law Andy Serwin, granddaughter Jennifer, grandson Brett of San Diego, CA; his sister Sylvia Kopkin of Boca Raton, FL; his brother Dr. Philip Gassman and Joan Eigen of Palm Beach, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A small family service was held on July 10, 2025. Donations can be made in Norman's memory to Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota, FL.
16 Entries
Janine C Smith
November 6, 2025
Our deepest sympathy go out to the Gassman family. He was a long time patient with Dr. Lefton and staff.
He was full of life and always took time to
ask how everyone was doing. He loved his family and volunteering. He truly loved helping people and that along with his zest for life really made him a special person. We will truly miss him.
Lucretia Smith
October 30, 2025
My condolences to the Gassman family. I worked for Norman at the Foot-Lites store located on the skywalk in downtown Cincinnati. Norman was a wonderful and kind man to work for, when he moved from downtown Cincinnati, to Ludlow, Avenue in the Clifton neighborhood I helped him load the shoes up and for my efforts Norman allowed me to have six pairs of shoes. Norman loved his family he used to talk about his wife having a loft on Central Parkway in the Mohawk area of Cincinnati. Heaven has gained a great being.
William & Kathryn OBrien
September 11, 2025
Kathryn and I, William, were saddened to hear of Norman´s passing. He was a good friend whose company we greatly enjoyed. Norman´s discussions, enthusiasm and liveliness marked him as a
stand-out human being. His desire to help people, as evidenced by his volunteering at the Sarasota aquarium and other venues, was palpable and sincere.
We met Norman and Stephanie on our trip to China. Right away we bonded and shared our "oohs and ahhs" as we witnessed the wonderous sights of the country. Never one to be shy, Norman would offer his opinion of all that we experienced. I Loved his laugh especially. The warmth and friendship continued after the trip as we were invited into the Gassman home. We were treated like royalty. Norman played tour guide ferrying us around Sarasota visiting the aquarium, museums and downtown. The memories of that adventure burn brightly.
We last spoke with Norman in January. He was visiting relatives near us. Our lunch date had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. However, Norman once again, extended an invitation to come stay at his home. He was that type of guy. Boy, how I wish we had been able to keep that lunch date.
Knowing Norman, he is now probably figuring out how to dress the angels in the latest shoe fashions.
Norman: we are very glad to have met you.
We miss talking and laughing with you.
We will meet again.
All our love.
William and Kathryn
Stephanie Gassman
August 23, 2025
The Sarasota Foot-Lites
How you can show support
Stephanie Gassman
August 23, 2025
sylvia s kopkin
August 20, 2025
I forget to mention Normans sense of humor andfun personality. We laughed al lot!
sylvia s kopkin
August 19, 2025
i printed a whole story and it didnt go thru les c if this does
sylvia s kopkin
August 19, 2025
Normans was a very special human being! His outgoing ,warm, and
gregarious personality endeared him to all he met, Wonderful brother and best friend. I miss you baby brother.
William and Kathryn Obrien
August 19, 2025
Dear Stephanie, what sad news. Thank you so much for letting us know.
We met on a trip to China. Bill and I both enjoyed our time with you and Norman. Norman was such an affable man. Cheerful and Chatty! About the only person I know who could keep up with Bill word for word.
Norman will be remembered warmly.
Our hearts to out to you.
Kathryn and Bill
melanie Hall
August 17, 2025
We will miss you dear cousin Norman
Love, Melanie and Marc
Bryan Fishkind
August 16, 2025
My dear first cousin was a kind and gentle man. Rest in Peace, Norman.
Mally Khorasantchi
August 16, 2025
My deepest sympathy dear Stephanie ... I remember him well
Elaine Levin-Smith
August 16, 2025
We really miss you my cousin. What a sweet, kind, loving and generous person you were!
Elaine Ames
August 16, 2025
I´m Norman´s next door neighbor here in Sarasota. I remember him as my "mailbox pal" as we seemed to run into each other frequently there! It gave us an opportunity to chat and catch up. He will be missed.
PHILIP P GASSMAN MD
August 16, 2025
I'll miss you, brother! You didn't have a bad bone in your body. If anybody could say a man was sweet and lovable, it was you.
Sue Fluegemann
August 15, 2025
Norman will always hold a special place in our hearts. Andy and I loved being with you both Stephanie and he will be greatly missed but thought of fondly with a smile
Love Suzy and Andy Fluegemann
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in Norman Gassman's name
How to support Norman's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Norman Gassman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more