Norman Strauss

Norman Strauss Jr., 87, of Stockton, N.J. passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 22, surrounded by his four loving children and his wife of 50 years. Born at Jewish Memorial Hospital in New York City on December 9, 1937, Norman grew up with his parents and sister in Mt. Vernon, N.Y.

An avid outdoorsman, Norman's greatest satisfaction came from spending time with his family horseback riding, swimming, hunting, and fishing. Whether he was horseback riding on his farm in Stockton, whitewater rafting in Maine, bear hunting in Alaska, or fishing in the Finger Lakes, he could most often be seen in a pair of cowboy boots, jeans with a signature belt buckle, and a toothpick in his mouth. As a youth, he traveled the United States to enjoy the beauty of its national parks, backpacked through most of South America and Europe, and ran with the bulls in Spain. Wherever he went, he brought with him witty one-liners, nicknames for everything, and his belief that one wasn't breaking a rule unless they got caught. He rarely, if ever, did. He instilled in each of his children his profound belief that what was most important in life was not money but the time spent enjoying and appreciating nature with loved ones. His advice, known to be both wise and practical, will continue to be passed down to his descendants for generations.

Professionally, Norman served his country as a United States Marine, held a B.S. in Economics and Accounting from Bucknell University and an M.B.A. in Management and Credit from N.Y.U.'s Graduate School of Business Administration. After a long, successful career in finance, he retired as the Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Core States Bank, N.A. (now Wells Fargo) in 1998. He spent his retirement eating crazy amounts of chocolate and working as an unpaid, overly-qualified babysitter for his grandchildren-both of which he enjoyed immensely.

Norman also found great enjoyment in fulfilling his civic duty. In addition to serving his country as a Marine and donating generously to various charities, Norman gave his time to numerous community organizations. He served as a Board Member, Member of the Finance Committee, and Treasurer of the United Way of Mercer County for over 20 years. He also served as the President and Chairman of the Finance Committee for the Delaware Township Board of Education from 1981-1988. From 2014 until shortly before his death, he served as a member of the Delaware Township Board of Health.

Norman was predeceased by his beloved parents, Dr. Norman Strauss Sr. and Caryl Strauss, and his sister, Joanne Schramm. Norman is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Marcy Johnson and her husband, Erik; Jenny Strauss; Norman Strauss III and his wife, Kerri; and Kristy Trammell and her husband, Seth. His six loving grandchildren also survive him: Norman IV and Cody Strauss, Bud and Claire Johnson, and Josephine and Phoebe Trammell. He is also survived by his nephews, Ronald, Neal and Michael Schramm; his cousin, Larry Blaskopf; and his brother-in-law, Leonard Schramm.

Services will be held at the Naugle Funeral Home on Friday, March 28, with a visitation from 1:00-2:00 pm and a funeral service at 2:00 pm. Internment with military honors will follow at Trinity Great Swamp Church Cemetery in Spinnerstown, PA. A luncheon will follow the interment at approximately 4:00 pm at the Naugle Funeral Home. All are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please leave your condolences on the funeral home website or write directly to his beloved widow, Mary Strauss, at 78 Harrisburg School Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951.