Joseph William Norman

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph “Joe” Norman who died April 1st at the age of 68. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, cherished grandfather and dear friend to many. Joe will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering support of family and friends.

Born on August 28th, 1958, in Dayton, Ohio, Joe dedicated his life to providing for the people he loved and leaving every place a little better than he found it. He was known as the neighborhood dad and a steady presence on the baseball field, coaching and encouraging kids while living in New Lebanon, Ohio, Clarksville, Ohio, and Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. His generosity and childlike spirit were a gift to everyone who knew him.

In 1976, Joe joined the U.S. Navy to see the world and learn a trade. He served as a machinist from 1976 to 1979. After leaving the Navy, he learned the concrete business—experience that later led him to start his own company, JW Norman Construction.

Through his work, Joe opened doors for countless people, offering opportunities that shaped lives and lifelong careers. In the days leading up to his passing, many reached out to the family to share stories of how he had helped them—proof of a life well lived. He also loved hunting and camping, and his passion for The Ohio State Buckeyes was evident to all who knew him. We have to believe he has found the big hot tub in the sky as this was his real love.

Joe is proceeded in death by his grandmother Nina Simms, grandfather Leslie Simms, mother Violet Riffe, sister Tammy Strickland (Norman) and cousin Jimmy Squires. Joe is survived by his wife, Melinda Norman who have been together since 1979; his children, Aaron, Blake, and Mason Norman; his grandchildren, Desmond, Skyler, and Jackson Norman; his in laws Eric and Joyce Mueller, Cindy and Douglas Langhorst and many other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. His legacy of love, integrity, and compassion will live on in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held on April 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer on 3940 Kettering Blvd. Kettering, Ohio 45439, where family and friends are invited to celebrate Joe’s life and share their memories. The funeral service will be held April 7th from 9-10 AM followed by the funeral procession to Germantown Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local Little League baseball organizations to help support kids and strengthen communities or to give.michaeljfox.org to help support a cure for Parkinson’s.

We love you, and we will carry your memory with us—always.

To share a memory of Joe or to leave a special message for his family, please see our Guest Book below.