Dr. Eugene F. Norman

Dr. Eugene F. Norman, age 99, entered into rest on Sunday, November 27, 2022 while surrounded by family in his home in Lackawanna, NY. Dr. Norman was a World War II veteran and family physician who cared for patients from his office in Buffalo, NY for over a half-century. He was known to make house calls and never turn down anyone in need, often accepting baked goods and handmade gifts when patients could not afford medical care. When not caring for his patients, Dr. Norman was an accomplished violinist, vocalist, and ballroom dancer. He played the violin at concerts and social gatherings throughout his life, and was deeply admired for his talent on the fiddle. He was a member of the Canisius College Glee Club and The Singing Doctors, a group of medical professionals who sang for patients at local nursing homes and hospitals. Later in life, he was an avid ballroom dancer who won numerous competitions with his wife, Terry. Dr. Norman was born on December 3, 1922 to the late Walter and Helen Norman (nee Gratkowski) of Buffalo, NY as the younger of two sons. His elder brother, the late Raymond L. Norman, was a great source of support and friendship throughout his life. Dr. Norman paused his undergraduate education to join the U.S. Navy at age 20, serving our country during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal (1 Star), and the Philippine Liberation Medal. Dr. Norman was a member of the American Legion Matthew Glab Post 1477 in Lackawanna, NY until his passing. After his military service, Dr. Norman completed his undergraduate degree at Canisius College in 1948 and graduated from Georgetown University Medical School in 1953. Following a two-year residency at Mt. Mercy Hospital, Dr. Norman opened his own practice on the first floor of his family home on Walden Avenue in 1955. He treated numerous patients at his office and St. Joseph’s Hospital. Dr. Norman married his cherished wife, the late Theresa C. Norman (nee Smolarek), in 1955. They enjoyed fifty-five years of marriage together before her passing in 2010. He was a profoundly devoted husband, father, and grandfather. After retiring from his medical practice, Dr. Noman never stopped learning or enjoying life. He learned to text on a cell phone at age 95 and messaged his granddaughters every day. He loved music, food, dancing, baseball, Notre Dame football, bowling, gardening, fishing, horseshoes, and playing cards. A strong man of his Polish heritage and Catholic faith, he was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Orchard Park, NY for over forty-five years and served his church community as a eucharist minister. He was the beloved father of Michael (Deborah) Norman, Cheryl (Robert) Fetzer, and the late Gail Rauch; dearest grandfather to Kimberly Fetzer (Travis Baum), Christina Fetzer, and Julie Fetzer; and survived by many dear nieces and nephews. Family will be present to receive relatives and friends on Monday, December 5 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Daniel R. Smolarek Funeral Home, 2510 Union Rd, Cheektowaga, NY. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 6 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 3148 Abbott Rd, Orchard Park, NY. Attendees should please assemble at the church. An entombment at St. Stanislaus Cemetery will follow the church service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

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Dr. Eugene F. Norman

December 3, 1922 - November 27, 2022