Obituary of Norman E. Garrett Jr.

Norman Eugene Garrett, Jr. was born on March 28, 1957 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Orange, NJ to the proud parents Annette and Norman E. Garrett Sr.

Norman had the kind of happy mid-century childhood that today many people reminisce about. He was the oldest of three, coming three years before his brother Mark and five years before his sister Kimberly.  Although he taught his siblings how to have the best kind of fun, Norman’s gregarious energy flourished following in the footsteps of his aunt and “sort-of sister,” Andrea, two years his senior. Norman loved to ride his bike and play outside with the neighborhood kids until dark. He was active in Boy Scouts, where he developed a love of camping and the outdoor life. He participated in PAL football, was an Alter boy at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Orange and became a Catholic Youth Organization camp counselor.

Norman graduated from Columbia High School in the South Orange Maplewood public school system. He earned his Associates degree from Essex County College in December 1977 and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the United States International University in San Diego, CA in May 1979. His career began at New Jersey Transit as a Special Projects Coordinator in 1981 and continued at New York Transit as a Systems Analyst through 1989. Following a serious accident at work, Norman turned his focus back to academics. After many years of study at Montclair State University, Norman achieved his Masters of Art degree in Psychology and Counseling Social Work in August 2001.

Norman had a talent for the arts. His creativity led him to discover a love for crafting. He began with building intricate doll houses, the best of which he gifted to his nieces. He transitioned those skills to the real world by refinishing and reupholstering furniture. Norman found his favorite outlet in quilting; an activity he shared with his mother. He often matched his quilts to his father’s stained glass pieces. Norman shared his art and creations generously with his family and friends.

Norman adored his nieces and nephews and took immense pride in being the cool uncle. He loved hosting spontaneous sleepovers, birthday parties and backyard barbeques, where the kids could really let loose. Norman was not a fan of making his nieces and nephews follow rules. Not only would he let the kids make whatever dessert they wanted, he took delight in watching them eat all the leftover batter from the bowl. Over the last two years, “Uncle Morman’s” greatest pleasure came not from quilting or his close friendships, but from spending time with his newest nephew Avery Norman White.

A significant amount of Norman’s adult life was centered around the dialysis center which his family referred to as his “job.” Although dialysis was difficult, Norman found a way to accept and embrace it. He was blessed with a team of wonderful “co-workers,” friends and care-givers who became his second family. He managed his pain independently, quietly and always without complaint.

Norman’s life experiences formed a man of the highest character – no matter how stubborn he could often be. In spite of his many obstacles, he faced life bravely and lived with zest. Norman’s humor, ethics and outlook on life continue to serve as a model to the numerous family members and friends who will miss him deeply.

Norman is preceded in death by his father Norman Garrett, Sr. and leaves to cherish his memory his mother Annette Garrett. Norman will be sorely missed by his brother Mark Garrett (Dawn), sister Kimberly White (Greg), and nieces and nephews Qianna White, Marcus Garrett (Marilou), Matthew Garrett (Karmell), Arianna White, Samantha Dhanaraj (Vinay), Gregory White (Chantel), and Tyler White. Norman will be remembered in Heaven as he was loved in life by his aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of other family and friends.