Edward J. Norman

1931 - 2023

Edward J. Norman
July 7, 1931 - April 9, 2023
Edward James Norman was born to Henry and Mary Ryan Norman on July 7, 1931, at St. Luke's Hospital in San Francisco. Baptized at St. James Church, he later became an altar boy while attending St. James Grammar School. Ed was among the first graduating class of San Francisco's Reardon High School in 1950.
After serving in the Army during the Korean War as a Sargent and Payroll Master, Ed held a long career in administration with Franklin Templeton, Chevron, Sequoia Hospital and other organizations, living at first in Los Angeles and later in Burlingame with his long-time friend and roommate Eugene (Gene) Gaeckler.
Ed joined the congregation of Mt. Carmel Church after moving to Redwood City in 1980, and was well-known as the Head Usher and a generous contributor to the Church and School. He was also actively involved in the Mt. Carmel chapter of St. Vincent de Paul where he delivered food to needy families and otherwise helped out in any way possible. On retiring from his career at the age of 74, Ed devoted his energies full-time to helping those in need in his community through volunteer work and contributions to Mt. Carmel, St. Francis Center, and numerous other organizations. On many Sundays, Ed organized volunteers to bring wheelchair-bound vets to Sunday Mass in Menlo Park. Ed greatly enjoyed the companionship of friends in his bowling league. The strong network of friends and neighbors he built over the years and who aided him in his later life was a reflection of his generosity, thoughtfulness, and sympathetic and caring nature. Ed always had a "smile" in his voice and led a full and purposeful life, a devoted friend to all.
It was fitting that Ed passed on Easter, an important day for him. Every Easter would find the Church decorated with flowers from the fifty or more orchids he nurtured in his garden.
Ed was the last of five siblings, having outlived his three brothers and their sister, Louisa, with whom he shared a home in Redwood City. Ed is survived by multiple nieces and nephews and their children.
Services will be held on Saturday, May 6th at Mt. Carmel Church in Redwood City, with a Rosary at 1:00 and Funeral Mass at 1:30 followed by a Reception at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Hall at 2:30. Interment services will be held on Monday, May 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Menlo Park.