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Adelbert Townsend Norwood

FUNERAL HOME

Demaine Funeral Home - Springfield

5308 Backlick Road

Springfield, Virginia

Adelbert Norwood Obituary

NORWOOD, ADELBERT TOWNSEND

On July 19, 2003, Del Norwood of Annandale, VA, beloved husband of Anne P. Norwood; loving father of Steven Norwood, Scott Norwood and Sandra Merchant; adoring grandfather of Taylor Norwood, Morgan Merchant, Kacey Norwood, Connor Norwood, Carly Norwood, Hayley Merchant, Corey Norwood, Shelby Merchant and Brett Norwood. Friends may call at DEMAINE SPRINGFIELD-ANNANDALE CHAPEL, Backlick and Edsall Rds., Springfield, VA from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 24. Prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., Friday at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 7401 St. Michael's Ln., Annandale, VA. Interment to follow at Fairfax Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Del Norwood Baseball Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1524, Annandale, VA 22003.

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Published by The Washington Post from Jul. 23 to Jul. 24, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Adelbert Norwood

21 Entries

John Staley

August 19, 2003

I'll always remember when I first met Coach Norwood. It was in the summer of 1966. I was a young boy,

just graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. I was chosen to play

on Coach Norwood's team in Luray, VA, in the Valley League. I was in

awe of being with such outstanding

college players. To me, Coach Norwood was a Big League baseball

player that decided he wanted to coach and play with these up and coming college players.

I'll always be grateful for Coach Norwood's interest in me during that period of my life. I went on to play with other Valley League teams during the next few years while I was attending Old Dominion

University. The next time I met Coach Norwood was when I became a Springfield Rifle player back in the 1980's. To my great surprise and delight Coach Norwood, and his son Steve, were playing on the team.

Since then I have always looked forward to seeing Coach Norwood's big smile everytime we met. I had the utmost respect for Coach Norwood as a man and as a coach and player. I will miss Del terribly, as I'm sure all who knew him, will.

My condolence's and prayer's go out to Steve and the rest of the Norwood Family.

Ralph Baird

August 10, 2003

Coach had a lasting impression on so many. I have often relected back to the many lessons on life I learned while at

Washington-Lee. His influence helped me select Physical Education as a college major (to be more like him). Now that I manage a park with baseball diamonds, I'm still sense his influence as I direct how the fields are maintained. Thanks coach. You will always be with us!

David Hill

August 5, 2003

To the Norwood Family,

Please accept my condolences on the loss of a truly exceptional man. While I never played baseball for Del, I had him as my Drivers Ed and PE teacher. During my years at W-L, Del and I had a few one-on-one basketball games and I learned first hand of his competitive nature as he schooled a young skinny kid about the physical nature of basketball. I will always remember his cheerful nature and his stories of his home state of Maine. Del has touched many individuals and we are all better for having had him in our lives.

David Hill, W-L class of 74

Lisa Swygert

July 30, 2003

To the Norwood Family,

I have been searching for words that might help you understand or cope with your loss. If there are any, I can not find them. I do want you to know that I will keep you in my thoughts and that I pray that God will comfort and protect you.

Mike Doherty

July 30, 2003

Coach Norwood was a lot more than "just a coach or teacher" - he was a well respected man of honor an integrity. Even though most of his players that were luckily enough to be lead by him never played baseball after high school - we all learned a lot more about the game and ourselves becuase of him. Thanks Coach! -MD (W-L Baseball '82)

Bob Moore

July 28, 2003

Del was a wonderful coach who always managed to get the most out of his players. He passed his love of baseball along to all who played for him. I saw him a few years ago at a W-L game, expecting to simply say hello and express my appreciation for my years playing for him over 30 years previously. Our conversation ended after probably 15 minutes, most of which was spent analyzing events on the field. It was like I still played for him, and I loved it. Thanks, Del. Bob Moore, Class of 1965

Arthur Bloch

July 26, 2003

I came to know Mr. Norwood during my 30 years as an Arlington County School Bus Driver. Beginning in the late 1960’s I had the opportunity of driving him and the Varsity Baseball Team to away games and later, started driving him and the girls team to Varsity Basketball games. He touched me as a gentle man and always looked so sharp in his Washington-Lee baseball uniform. My condolences to the Norwood family.

Steve Jenkins

July 26, 2003

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Norwood family. Some of the most enjoyable times I ever spent on a ballfield were practicing with, and playing for Del. I feel fortunate to have had my life touched by his wisdom and passion for the game of baseball. Steve Jenkins - W-L '70, Varsity Baseball '69 & '70.

Scott Sowers

July 25, 2003

As a proud member of Mr. Norwood's '81-'82 Varsity Baseball team, I learned about "the love of the game" and its' greater meaning than just on the field; I also learned a lot about turf management-"Sowers, you're late-grab a rake" or "Sowers, you're early-grab a rake". Integral lessons of life I've never forgotten. It was an honor to know him as he was a fine teacher, great coach and humble icon of W-L.

Terri Bottash

July 24, 2003

I had the good fortune (along with Mary Kelly Mason and Vanessa Chandler) of being a statistician for Mr. Norwood during the '76 & '77 varsity baseball seasons at W-L. He always made sure "the girls" were well taken care of! I have to believe that if there is a pitchers mound in heaven he is already raking it and making sure it is in tip top shape! My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Norwood family.

Terri Bottash - W-L Class of '77

Bob Prather

July 24, 2003

Though I didn't understand until after my time at Washington-Lee, Mr. Norwood did more to develop the life I so much value now. A true roll model for young men.

Eric Dobson

July 24, 2003

I didn't have Coach Norwood as a teacher and I didn't play on any of his teams. But I always felt a great coach and teacher was nearby. And my friends who did have him as a coach and teacher had an incredible amount of respect for him. He touched the lives of many young men and women.

Eric Dobson W-L '83

Bill & Mary Kennedy

July 24, 2003

Dear Anne,

We loved "RED" and will always keep a special place in our hearts for him. Our prayers our with you Steve, Scott and Sandy. We love you Anne.

Gary Hoffman

July 23, 2003

My condolences to the entire Norwood family. Coach Norwood was a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed. Gary Hoffman, W-L, Class of 1965.

Charlie Freret

July 23, 2003

I believe that The Great Scorer, having now written Del's name, albeit much too soon, has noted that he played the game with a passion and dignity that remind us what baseball should be- a timeless game played for pure enjoyment. That made Del a winner not only on the field, but off the field as well. A privilege to have both known him and to have played ball with him during the past decade, after hearing so much about him for three decades before then.

Barrie Perrottino (Sherman)

July 23, 2003

Del was a great coach and a wonderful person. I always looked forward to his terrific sense of humor either on the basketball court or behind the wheel in drivers ed. He took life in stride and will be missed.

Jim McGurrin

July 23, 2003

The Norwood years at W-L were very good years, a fun, aggressive, loose team that found a way to win. Del is remembered all these years later, and his loss is felt. Jim McGurrin class of '65

Jeb Snider

July 23, 2003

I have been and always will be proud to say that I knew Del Norwood. To Ann, Steve, Scott and Sandy, I just want you to know you're in mine and my families heart and prayers.

Morris Levin

July 23, 2003

Del was special and helped everyone. He brought a lot of effort and enthusiasm to whomever needed it in both our personal lives and professional lives. We will never forget him. It was a privlege to know him and be his friend.

Ginger and Morris Levin

Gary Boss

July 22, 2003

Ball fields everywhere will seem empty with the passing of our friend Del. His presence made better persons of us all. We will miss him.

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