Norman Funk Sr.

Norman W. Funk Sr. of East Hartford, passed away peacefully at his home, on Sunday, (January 30, 2011.) Norman was born November 7, 1924. He lived his entire life in East Hartford. He graduated from East Hartford High School in 1942. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Army Air Corp serving bravely in WWII. Based in Cerignola Italy, he was credited with 53 combat missions in a B-24 Liberator for the 454th bomb group of the 15th Air Force. He received the Air Medal for bravery in combat. Upon his return from World War II, he served as an East Hartford Fireman for five years before beginning his career as an aerospace engineer at Hamilton Standard, retiring after 39 years of service. He had a lifelong devotion to East Hartford sports and UCONN Basketball. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 59 years, Ida (Babe) Funk; his sister, Mildred Whalen of Manchester; his sons, Norman Funk Jr. and his wife Paula of Ashford, CT, and their children Bryan, Will and Jessica, Stephen Funk and his wife Liz of Litchfield and their children Samuel, Doodle, Jane and Nellie; and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 4, at 10 a.m., at St. Isaac Jogues Church, 1 Community Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. Burial will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery in East Hartford. Calling hours will be Thursday, February 3rd, from 4-8 p.m., at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT. 06108. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Bo Kolinsky Scholarship Fund, Hartford Courant, 285 Broad St. Hartford, CT 06115. To visit Norman's tribute and leave an online condolence, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com.