Norman W. Brand

Obituary of Norman W. Brand

Boca Raton, FL - Formerly of Liberty, NY

Norman W. Brand passed on February 7, 2026, his 91st birthday, having spent his final days surrounded by his family. Those who knew him well will remember his impish sense of humor, his warmth, his generosity, his love of calypso music and fine food, and his deep love for family and old and new friends alike.

Norman was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1935 to Abe and Rella Brand. He was an avid fan of many things Brooklyn, including Nathan's hot dogs, Coney Island, and the Brooklyn Dodgers. While he never forgave the Dodgers for leaving Brooklyn, he shared his love of his childhood home with his children, introducing them to the many landmarks, museums, and theatres New York City had to offer. After a short tenure at Cornell University, he moved to Liberty, New York, where he married the love of his life, Miriam.

Norm's greatest loves were his family, Disney World, trains, and travel, often enjoyed in combination. He delighted in planning large family trips to Disney World, in which were included cousins, friends, and in-laws. He spent a decade planning a family gathering at Disney for the millennium. As a member of the Tradewinds & Atlantic Railroad, Norman spent many hours running his handmade live steam model, an O & W Mogul, and greeting thousands of passengers who came to ride the rails. He and Mim spent many happy days traveling in Switzerland, England, Israel, and China. Norm also loved animals, particularly his Ingwa.

Norm was also extremely adept with his hands, applying his skills to baking many of his mother's recipes, finishing the basement of his home, and performing general repairs on practically anything presented to him.

Norman was predeceased by his parents, Abe and Rella Brand, sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Len Levy, niece Felicia Howard, and in-laws Sol and Rose Cantor. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 1/2 years, Miriam, his daughters and sons-in-law: Jo Ann and Keith Meyers, and Ellen Brand and Peter Checkett, as well as his granddaughters Becca and Brenda, and countless family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Thanks to those who helped care for him in his final days, including aides from Radcliffe Nursing and the staff of Trustbridge Hospice.

If you are the praying type, the family appreciates thoughts of all denominations. Feel free to think of a happy memory, one of Norm's jokes, or a calypso or Disney song.

A chapel service will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 11:00am at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel in Delray Beach, FL. Norman will be laid to rest at the Ferndale Synagogue Cemetery, Old Lilly Pond Road, Parksville, NY on Sunday, February 15, 2026 10:30am.

Arrangements are honorably entrusted to the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - 845-794-7474 or www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.