Norman Byrl Bork

Norman Bork, age 94, formerly of Peoria, passed away in Mount Airy, North Carolina, on December 28, 2025.

He was Born in Peoria, Illinois on May 17, 1931 .

He was predeceased by his parents, Mike and Rhea (Kaskowitz) Bork. One brother & sister in law (Saul & Gloria Bork). And, his sister Paula Bork.

Norman attended Bradley University.

He served in the US Coast Guard aboard the USS Humboldt in the North Atlantic, conducting weather patrol missions. His ship would often be sailed into the eye of a hurricane and travel to report the location of the storm. Perhaps that's the origin of his nickname, "Stormin Norman".

He came home in 1952 to marry the love of his life Patricia (Rossin) Bork. They were very happily married for almost 60 years.

Shortly after marrying Patti, Norman joined the family recycling business (I. Bork & Sons) as the third generation to lead the enterprise, until retiring in 1979 for many years, at the age of 49….

He always pursued many hobbies, navigating in a deliberate way to bring the family together, often on horseback, while being the captain on his many boats, pilot of his multiple airplanes, also as a generous host while enjoying classic cars and so many other related outdoor adventures.

His favorite hobby seemed to be collecting friendships along his path. Even in his last days he was up and around greeting new friends in the assisted living facility. Truly, he made friends everywhere he went, on the road, on the water and in the air.

We are grateful to so many friends and very special neighbors who treated him like family. They helped him move forward, after becoming a widower, losing Patti in 2012,

His most recent driving tour of the country (with Daughter, Brina) made it possible to visit family members in many states. Family was always so important to him.

The long time he spent in North Carolina could not have been possible without the special attention of daughter Betsy and Norman's community of very good friends.

Norman was a long time member of the Ivy Club in Peoria. Also a member of the Masons, in Peoria.

Norman is survived by by his many dear friends and his family:

Daughters:
Brina Grigg (Rockford, IL)
Marsha Bork (Scottsdale, AZ)
Betsy & Todd Harris (Mt. Airy, NC)

Son & Daughter in law:
Michael Bork & Sheryl Cohen (Peoria)

5 Grandchildren & 2 Great Grandchildren
Marty Grigg & Mallory Grigg (great granddaughter, Madi)

Ben Grigg & Emily Bernstein

Rachel & Matt Zucosky

Sarah Harris

Sam & Paula Harris
(Great granddaughter, Kennedy)

Beloved niece and nephew, Cheryl (Bork) Palmer and Brian Bork

Norman had many treasured cousins, Grand nieces and Grand nephews too.

He leaves us with the larger than life example of being sure to have some fun every day.

Services will be Friday, January 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at Davison Fulton Woodland Chapel, in Peoria, Illinois followed by burial at Peoria Hebrew Cemetery. You also can view the services via Livestream through the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel Facebook page.

Donations in memory of Norman's life well lived can be made to:

Paula Bork Memorial Education Fund in care of the Jewish Federation of Peoria
2000 W. Pioneer Pkwy, Suite 10B
Peoria, IL 61615

Peoria Hebrew Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund
2000 W. Pioneer Pkwy, Suite 10B
Peoria, IL 61615

Congregation Anshai Emeth
5614 North University St.
Peoria, IL 61614

Congregation Agudas Achim
5614 North University St.
Peoria, IL 61614

Temple Beth El
1203 Comanche Dr
Rockford, IL 61107

Guide Dogs for the Blind
P.O. Box 151200
San Rafael, CA 94915

Or, a charity of your choice.

You can view Norman's obituary online at www.Davison-Fulton.com