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Norman Rebalsky Obituary

Norman Rebalsky, LT Col (USAF Ret) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on May 5, 2013 after a heroic battle with cancer. Norman was born June 1, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA. He married Lillie Zuckerman on March 18, 1951 in Washington D.C. Norman and Lillie met when he was a "brown shoe" Air Force Corporal starting his military career at the Pentagon. Norman was a Tech Sgt when he entered Officer Training School in San Antonio, Texas. He took night courses and graduated with a degree in Military Science from the University of Maryland. During Norman's 35 year Air Force career he and his family had over 17 years in wonderful overseas assignments. Three years at an air base near Marrakesh, Morocco; three years with the French Air Force near Metz, France; four years with the Defense Communications Agency in Stuttgart, Germany and over six years at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Norman Rebalsky's experience in communications-electronics and information systems since 1949 involved all phases of planning, programming, engineering, installation, maintenance operations, training, operational evaluation and systems analysis. His experience in vocational-technical education programs and elements of human factors engineering involving man-machine concepts began in 1943. During his Air Force career, Norman received many medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons including the Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Joint Service Medal; AF Commendation Medal; AF Longevity Service Ribbon with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters; National Defense Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars; AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After retiring from the Air Force, Norman and his wife, Lillie, moved to Colorado Springs. Norman worked as a Space Systems Analyst for the Space Technology Division of Kaman Sciences Corporation and the Milstar Training Program Task Manager. Norman was a great storyteller and history buff. Friends and family enjoyed listening to the many wonderful stories he shared. Everyone said Norman was a walking encyclopedia. Norman touched the lives of everyone he met. He encouraged people to be better and gave advice to so many people needing help. Norman also enjoyed giving lectures on the Holocaust to Air Force Academy cadets and other organizations in the Colorado Springs and Denver areas. In addition to sharing his wealth of knowledge with everyone, Norman was a fantastic artist and enjoyed free-hand calligraphy. His love and devotion to his wife is unparalleled. For the last ten years he was sole caregiver to his wife who has Alzheimer's. Norman's pride and greatest happiness was his grandson, David Wright, who is studying at UNC in Chapel Hill, NC for a PhD in Economics. Norman is an inspiration to his grandson. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lillie Rebalsky, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his daughters Sylvia Wright (Eli Pinhas) of Birmingham, AL, Ida Lee Hurvitz (Lou Hurvitz) of St. Paul, MN; and his grandson, David Wright of Chapel Hill, NC. Norman is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Colorado, California, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington D.C. Norman was predeceased by his parents, Ida Gellerman Rebalsky and Philip Rebalsky of Philadelphia, PA; his brothers, Martin Reber, Manual Rebalsky and Sylvia Rebalsky. Norman will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Norman's memory to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. Thank you to caregivers, Janet, Gyllian, Olga, and to Norman and Lillie's many neighbors and friends for their kindness and support. A very special thank you to Fran Gorman and her team with Pikes Peak Hospice. Their extraordinary care, warmth, compassion and understanding will never be forgotten by Norman's daughter, Sylvia. We will remember Norman for the love of his wife, Lillie, his love of family, his warmth, humor and generosity to family and friends. Online condolences can be seen at www.memorialgardensfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on May 12, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Norman Rebalsky

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LINDA TOLAN

May 15, 2019

Still so many memories... so grateful to have known and loved the Rebalsky's. Many many precious memories.. thank you for sharing them with me

Doug Kelly

March 23, 2014

Sylvia and Ida Lee … not sure if my previous message went through, but I just saw this about your dad after doing a net search. He was a special person with an unforgettable sense of humor, an ever-present smile and grace not given to many men. My best wishes to you both. I read that your mom has Alzheimer's, and you may not be aware that my mom suffered from it too in her latter years (she died in 2008), but still always remembered that Lillie was her best friend and Norman a wonderful friend as well.

diana gerhardt

June 3, 2013

I have not got the words to say how much I loved the Rebalsky's. I work at the hospital and I would see them every week for the past 7 years. It will not be the same without him. All the my love and prayers go out to his family.

Linda Tolan

May 30, 2013

how do you find enough words to "remember" Mr Rebalsky? He was so intelligent and willing to share. I would never have known how to find out if food was kosher if i hadnt met him. what a wonderful love he had for Lillie. So much love he went ahead of her to make sure God would have everything just right for her arrival. and so very proud of his family, mention his daughters and he would light up the room. mention David and we wouldnt need the sun. Their niece in Denver made them so proud also. It was such a pleasure to be able to serve them, but in turn they listened to my family pride too. I love Norman and Lillie, and will miss them so..my prayers and sympathy for the family. they were a very precious couple, and such love you dont see often. thank you for sharing them with me.

josey wambui

May 27, 2013

Hi Sylvia,
i hope this message finds you well. i pray for peace of God be with you at this time. it's a blessing to have gotten to know you, your Dad and Mom. you are a very special.

Carleen Hanley

May 25, 2013

my Dearest Slyvia,
You are a very special friend and your dad is so very special also in so many ways. He is someone Rich and I look up to. He would go the extra mile in what ever venture he would take on. The strength and his love of life was so very apparent in all he did. His devoted love to Lillie is so very Special. You are so fortunate to have had such a loving caring farther. He will be dearly missed.
with all our love and deepest sympathy, Carleen, Rich and family

Barbara Harte

May 18, 2013

IdaLee,
I was so sorry to hear about your father. You know my thoughts and prayers are always with you, especially in this very difficult time with your family. Love to you and Lou!!!

David

May 16, 2013

Sylvia ... Marilynn and I wish to convey our deepest sympathy and will keep you and yours in our prayers.
Miss you ...

Barb and Tracy Garwood

May 15, 2013

Sylvia, our deepest condolences go out to you and Lillie and the rest of your family. He was a very special Father to you.

Sara Porat

May 14, 2013

Uncle Norman you will be dearly missed. We will hold your stories, humor and kindness forever in our hearts. Love, Sara

Carole Cope

May 13, 2013

My dearest Sylvia, I have been blessed with our friendship for 28 years. During that time I was there when David was born and you have shared so many stories about Norman. He is truly a man that you immediately respect. I have enjoyed the articles and letters that he has sent you. And most recently your journey with Norman and Lillie. I have found that you are like your Dad and I know he will live on through you and David. But most of all the endless love of your parents, a true love story. May God bless you and family at this time. All my love and continued prayers.

David & Pat Otto

May 13, 2013

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Krista Bohlen

May 13, 2013

Lillie, I am so sorry for losing Norman. Sylvia, you sent me a letter after I sent a xmas card last year to Norman and Lillie...I was Lillie's physical therapist off and on at Penrose and LOVED Norman and Lillie. They were so sweet to me and Lillie was the one in pain. I will never forget them--they touched my life and I think of them often. Thank you for the letter and god bless at this time.

May 13, 2013

Sylvia, it is so special to be a daddy's girl! Your life speaks highly of your parents love. I cherish our friendship and love our talks about our Godly parents. May God continue to Bless you and your family. Love always! Sandy

Renee Holcombe

May 13, 2013

What a beautiful obituary of the wonderful life of your Dad. My deepest sympathy and love to you all. God bless you.
Renee'

May 13, 2013

Sylvia, my deepest sympathy May God bless you and your family

Faye Goudy
Birmingham, AL

BETH WIDEMAN

May 13, 2013

SYLVIA MY HEART AND LOVE GO TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME. I FEEL AS IF I NOW YOUR FAMILY THROUGH YOUR LETTERS. YOU HAVE BEEN TRULY BLESSED WITH WONDERFUL MEMORIES!!!!

Jocinda

May 13, 2013

Shalom my friend.

Sherri and Rob Daniels

May 13, 2013

Our world has lost an amazing man. Norman was so devoted to his family and was always quick to accept a stranger as a friend. We'll miss his friendly smile and his attention to details but know he will always be in our hearts and watching us from above.
Sherri and Rob Daniels

Marilyn Wehby

May 12, 2013

Remembering you, Norman,at a dinner that you and Lillie hosted at your house in Ramstein, Germany in 1976, where Sylvia and I began our journey of friendship. Your wit and wonderful love of family remain as precious memories in my heart. You are a treasure of commitment and acts of kindness that reflect on those you leave behind. May God hold a special place for you until we meet again.

Fran Gorman

May 12, 2013

Norman,Lillie, Sylvia and Eli! Thank you for allowing me and Pike's Peak Hospice to be a part of your family. We love Norman (and all of you) and you will always be in our hearts!

Joshua Narrowe

May 12, 2013

Norman, thank you for making me part of your life. I will never forget you.

Crystal Jackson

May 12, 2013

Keeping your family in my prayers. I love you Sylvia.

Suzanne Yoste-Scanlan

May 12, 2013

Prayers are with you Uncle Norman and Aunt Lillie---I would never have made it without the two of you and your love, support and "advice" while living in Ramstein, Germany. So many memories forever and forever. I love you. Suzanne

May 12, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to the family of a true warrior! Bob and Janet Rubin

Lillie and Norman - In Love after 62 years

Sylvia Wright

May 12, 2013

Norman and his new Raybans

Sylvia Wright

May 12, 2013

David, Norman and Jessy

Sylvia Wright

May 12, 2013

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Memorial Gardens Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery

3825 Airport Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80910

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