Norman John Thomas died peacefully with family by his side on March 14, 2026 at the Village Green Senior Living Community in Levittown, New York, at the age of 96. He was a longtime resident of Levittown. Born on February 13, 1930, Norman attended St. Peter the Apostle High School in New Brunswick, NJ, where he lettered in track and football. He went on to graduate from St. Peter’s University in New Jersey, where he studied marketing, and then worked toward a master’s degree at New York University (NYU). Norman served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was subsequently selected to serve in the Counter Intelligence Corps, a World War II and early Cold War intelligence agency within the Army consisting of highly trained special agents, where, among other skills, he learned to pick locks. He had a long career in marketing research for several pharmaceutical firms. In his younger days, Norman was active in his local church, St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church in Levittown. He loved the water and spent many weekends at Jones Beach with his family, as well as weekends at home doing DIY projects. Norman was a quiet and gentle man who enjoyed the simple pleasures, like pigs in a blanket and a good cup of instant coffee. Norman loved to travel, including memorable trips to Hawaii and Europe with Peggy, with some destinations becoming longtime family stories (Swan Ware Cottages, NH). Stories also followed a brief but memorable period of boat ownership. Most of all, Norman loved his children and grandchildren, reveling in their achievements and boasting with pride. Norman is survived by his wife of almost 72 years, Margaret (Peggy) of Levittown, his sister Bernardine Jolly (Jack) of Tarrytown, NY, his children Bob (Regina) of Reston, VA, Pamela (Steven, deceased) Wegert of Melville, NY, and Cliff (Lori) of Garden City, NY. Also surviving him are his eight grandchildren, Christopher (Caitlinn), Matthew (Jessica), Mikaela, Chelsea, Gabriella, MacKenzie, Christian, and Luke, as well as many nieces and nephews. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Helen, and his three brothers, Jimmy, Donald, and Richie. Norman was our Dad and Poppy, and we will miss and remember him forever.
Family will accept friends on Thursday, March 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home, Levittown, NY. https://www.thomasfdaltonfuneralhomes.com/locations/levittown
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 20 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Levittown. https://www.stbernardchurch.org/
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Good Shepherd Hospice of Farmingdale, NY. https://www.catholichealthli.org/good-shepherd-hospice
