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BORN
1932
DIED
2019
Norman Mittleman Obituary
Palm Desert - Norman Mittleman died March 17, 2019 at his home in Palm Desert after a long battle with COPD and heart ailments. He was born on May 25, 1932 in Winnipeg, Canada. He was the son of the late Harry and Sarah Mittleman. and preceded in death by his two sisters, Lillian and Sybil. Survived by his loving wife Barbara, daughters Monica and Mara, stepsons James Rieger (Carol), William Rieger (Jenni), Thomas Rieger (Dana), and grandchildren Alan and Kimberly. Norman was a world famous opera singer. He studied at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He performed at every major opera house in Europe and the Americas. He lived in Switzerland for many years before coming to California. In Palm Springs he was artistic director of the Opera Showcase of the Desert and on the board of the Palm Springs Opera Guild. In Rancho Mirage he had a wonderful restaurant, Venezia, where he sang to the delight of the patrons. He was by all accounts a force of nature, a big presence in every respect on stage and in life. He will be greatly missed by everyone.
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Memories and Condolences
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Monica Mittleman
September 3, 2024
Barbara is still alive and kicking. I´ll give her the message
Peter Weinberger
September 2, 2024
Is his wife, Barbara still living? If so, would like to communicate .
Youngest Daughter Mara
March 19, 2024
Thinking about you everyday Daddy all the good times we shared love and miss you
Monica Mittleman
March 17, 2024
See you soon Pappa. Barbara and I are on our way to visit you. Miss you every day. Love love love Monica
Jacqueline Berman
March 16, 2024
Norman is as alive today as when he was here in life.
Life after Life is how I believe and is the reason why I can hear Norman singing and laughing and orchestrating all of us, where to sit, what to eat first as this part of the whitefish is the best, and of course Barb's deserts that Normie was so proud to show, don't touch until Normie said Okay..Eat!
I am sure Norman and my Marty 2-25-2020 are arguing as usual , waiting for me and Barbara to join them at the table. Love to all of the extended family .
Jacqueline Berman
Mara Bailey
March 16, 2023
Mara Bailey
March 16, 2023
Mara Bailey
March 16, 2023
I remember when I was little my dad went to the opera house to reherse and I watched him sing that was so beautiful even at home when he was rehersing I joined him but what was so amazing is seing him on stage perform was so special he has such an amazing voice I also remember when I was waiting in his dressing room and I put wigs and I think costumes on that was fun and then when he lived in pal desert Monica took me to go see him and Barbara and we had fun going to the dog park swimming and him making us laugh and he also wanted me to put lotion on him he loved that we will never forget the good memories we shared your girls love and miss you Daddy
Monica Mittleman
March 16, 2023
It´s 4 years now that you´ve left. I miss you so
Monica Mittleman
March 19, 2022
Your girls love and miss you every day
Jacqueline Berman
March 16, 2022
Norm is Still singing , you just have to be still and listen.
Never gone ..just on a break until Barb and the gang show up for a standing ovation.
Anita and Garth Seymour
August 4, 2020
My husband Garth and I met Norm at the dog park, along with John and Ralph, our three Amigos. Still have a photo. Barbara you were kind enough to invite us to lunch and Norm showed us all his memories of a very special life. I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope your memories will give you comfort.
Jacqueline Berman
March 16, 2020
It was just yesterday in my mind that you were sitting in my kitchen with Barb, and my Marty and my Best Friend Minnie since childhood and Tamar and Christian to eat good food at Xmas and complain about our aches and pains and mortality.
Well..you were first horse out the gate Normie, and as sick as you were, you always rebounded and didn't die..until you did!
Your BLESSED OPERA voice and your laughter and your love for Barbara, will never leave our thoughts, along with your 5 star cooking and Barb's baking that made us all fat. Love you Normie
Martin & Jacque Berman
April 13, 2019
You will never be forgotten Norman, especially when there is thunder in the Heaven's...it makes us think of your booming voice and beautiful sound !
We know Chester and Monty were barking in excitement when they met you at the gate..
Martin M and Jacqueline Berman
Tamar Mercier
barbara and maury Mortensen
March 23, 2019
so sorry to hear about the death of your dear Norman. Our sincerest sympathies
barbara and maury mortensen
Pat Greene
March 22, 2019
Dear Barbara,
We were so sorry not to be able to say goodbye to Normie today. We hear that it was a wonderful sendoff for a wonderful guy! Pat's memories go back to their high school days~Normie's friendship will certainly be missed.
Much love,
Bev 'n Pat Greene
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