Norman Weiss' Obituary
Norman Lee Weiss died in Boca Raton, Florida last Sunday, December 17, 2017 after a brief illness. Born in New York City on June 20, 2017,
Norman celebrated his 90th birthday with his family and friends last June. The son of Al-bert and Ethel Weiss (nee Friedman), emigrants from
Transylvania on the Romanian and Hungarian border, Norman had an interest in Jewish culture, foreign travel, and history throughout his life.
A professional engineer and gifted mathematician, Norman had the ability to distill com-plex math problems to their essence (and made them
easily comprehensible), and could describe entire battles from the Civil War and World War II that excited his listeners’ imagination.
Norman attended the prestigious Townsend Harris High School, and when the school was abruptly closed after his freshman year, graduated from the Bronx High School of Science. He received both a Bachelor’s and a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering from the City College of New York which he attended during the "golden years" of CCNY. Li-censed as both a Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor, Norman
worked for Terminal Construction Company in Wood Ridge, New Jersey for 35 years; he received many awards and retired as a Senior Vice President
in 1987. During his years at Terminal, Norman was involved in the construction of many important projects including the development of
the Claridge House in New Jersey, and the original Meadowlands Stadium.
Norman adored his second wife Hella, to whom he was married for 50 years, living first in New Jersey and later in Boca Raton. At Boca Greens,
they were involved in many activities together including golf, and bridge. Norman was a social man, who enjoyed the company of others,
and having an opportunity to be drawn into a lively discussion.
Norman and Hella travelled the world, visiting five continents. He was enthusiastic about all of his trips, and especially his visits back to Hungary, Germany, Romania and Italy. With his uncle William Friedman, he travelled back to Hungary and Romania on numer-ous occasions to find the graves of his grandparents, and visit the towns of their birth. Both Norman and Hella also enjoyed cruises in Europe, the Caribbean, and Alaska. He also enjoyed his trips to South Africa, Botswana, Chile, China and numerous other loca-tions around the world. As a member
of the various UJA Missions, he visited Israel many times, and was a passionate sup-porter. After retiring from Terminal he participated as a volunteer civil engineer consult-ant in developing countries through Citizens Democracy Corp, where he was placed for several months on assignments to Azerbaijan, Romania and Indonesia. Norman also worked as an arbitrator, through American Arbitration Association, as well as a consult-ant and expert witness in construction related litigation.
Norman was a history buff, loved math, followed the stock market and loved politics. Well into his sixties he played tennis, and golf. He loved being with his circle of friends and enjoyed playing bridge with Hella, and earlier with his sister Shirley Rose and brother-in-law Burt Rose.
The one thing that Norman loved more than travel, was his family. He is survived by his son, Frederic C. Weiss of New York City, daughter in-law Shanta Matabeek Weiss; grandsons Daniel Weiss and Jonathan Weiss; daughter, Catherine W. Boucher of Bid-deford Maine, son-in-law Michael Boucher, and granddaughter Lane Boucher. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Rose of Boca Raton. His sister Florence Spanier pre-deceased him.
Norman lived a remarkable life, full of joy, accomplishment and adventure. He will be much missed by his family, and by his friends.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Levitt-Weinstein Memorial Chapel 7500 N. State Road 7 Coconut Creek, FL. 954-427-6500
What’s your fondest memory of Norman?
What’s a lesson you learned from Norman?
Share a story where Norman's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Norman you’ll never forget.
How did Norman make you smile?
