Richard David Norris

Richard David Norris, age 72, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2020.

Richard was born in Bridgeport, CT on May 2, 1948, the oldest son of the late Patrick and Doris (Kennedy) Norris. 

He spent his childhood attending Blessed Sacrament School (Bridgeport, CT) and Sacred Heart Juniorate Seminary (Ipswich, MA) before graduating from Trumbull High School in 1966.

In 1966, at the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country for the next 23 Years. He was first deployed on the USS Little Rock. Following that tour, he completed training as an Aviation Jet Mechanic in Memphis, TN and was designated as AD. He was assigned to VP-47 at NAS Moffett Field, CA and from there was deployed to Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam. Availing himself of every opportunity and training allowed Richard to see the world through the Navy. After Vietnam, he was assigned to NAS Patuxent River where he applied for training as a P3 Orion Flight Engineer. Next, he was assigned to VP-92 NAS South Weymouth, MA and then transferred to VP-66 NAS Willow Grove, PA, before returning to VP-92 The Minutemen at NAS South Weymouth where he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer (ADC). He served as an Instructor Flight Engineer and NATOPS Chief until his retirement on March 17, 1991, St. Patrick's Day, aboard the USS Constitution in Boston. Among his many distinctions were the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and being named Sailor of the Year, twice.

Following his Naval career, he returned to Connecticut to be close to his extended family and daughter and worked for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring after 15 years of service.

In 2010, Richard married Julie Gray-Norris and the two moved to Jacksonville, Florida and most recently, Green Cove Springs, Florida. There, Richard spent his days reading and watching movies and various game shows. He loved playing with and taking drives with the dogs, but mostly he loved sitting with the door open in the garage, watching the thunder and lightning storms roll in.

Richard lived with a generous spirit and loved fiercely. He had a passion for cooking and entertaining and would feel at home in any kitchen, whether it be aboard a P-3, for the holidays, at family picnics, or in his own home. He loved tea, hotdogs, beets, and his own specialty, french fry and butter sandwiches.

Richard/Dick will be remembered in his many stories, as a son of Ireland, a Navy Chief, husband, father, brother, uncle, Godfather, and friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Timothy.

He is survived by his wife Julie of Green Cove Springs, FL and his daughter Laura Norris of Shelton. He is also survived by his brothers, Thomas and Lynn of Naugatuck, Brian and Michelle of Stratford; John and Brenda of St. Petersburg, FL; his sisters, Susan Kanuch of Stratford; Doreen and Peter Wheeler of Fairfield; his sister-in-law Eve Norris of Southbury; as well as their families, including fifteen nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 11:30a.m., in St. Theresa Church, Trumbull, with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with full military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday morning from 9:00a.m. to 11:00a.m., in the Redgate – Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Richard's memory to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Avenue, Northeast, Washington, D.C. 20017 or Disabled American Veterans, DAV.org.