Norman Graessle

Norman Graessle, 77, of Boca Raton, FL succumbed to Pulmonary Fibrosis on June 27th 2019 at the Boca Raton Regional Hospital with his wife and three children by his side.  

Norm was born in Hackensack, NJ  on November 11th, 1941 to Frederick and Florence Graessle and was a graduate of  Ridgewood High School in 1959.  He went on to become a computer programmer and systems analyst and was employed with various companies over his long career. He raised a family in Saddle Brook, NJ, resided in Hasbrouck Heights with his wife Gail before retiring to Florida together. Like two peas in a pod - they did everything together including; playing tennis, biking  (where they met cycling at SB County Park thirty years ago), snorkeling, looking for shells at the beach, swimming laps at their condo, and most of all, enjoying each other’s company.  

Norm had a great energy and passion for life and a big personality to go with it. He displayed that enthusiasm in everything he did and was loved by many.  Once known as Stormin’ Normin while racing cars in his youth he carried that love of cars throughout his life.  From racing cars, to playing tennis, to spending time at the beach with his children- he did it with all his heart.  He was honest and wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and stand up for what he believed in.  Although sometimes less than eloquent, he always got his point across and spoke from the heart with good intentions.  He was a strong and brave man up to the very end.  He said “his greatest fear wasn’t of dying but leaving his wife Gail alone.”  His fighting spirit, dignity, and love showed through while he waited for his children to arrive at the hospital and continued to lead and inspire until his final breath. 

Norman is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Gail Benanti Graessle, daughter Cindy (Alex) Graessle Hernandez, his sons, David (Daniela) and Dan (Diana) Graessle- along with his six grandchildren: Julia, Zachary, Braedon, Gabriela, Donovan, and Daniel.  He is also survived by his brother, Donald Graessle and predeceased by brother, Rolin Graessle.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 2:00 PM on Sunday, July 7 at Glick Family Funeral Home in Boca Raton. Family and friends are welcome to speak.

Flowers or donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation are welcomed. 

Norm’s final resting place will be at a much later date when his ashes are interred in NJ.  

A special thanks to the staff at the Boca Raton Regional Hospital for their compassionate care.

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