Thomas Eldridge Norman, (Tommy) 81 years old, passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, in Yorktown, Virginia, as a result of complications from dementia. Prior to moving to Yorktown, he was a long time resident of Hampton, Virginia. Tommy was born on August 5, 1940, in Raleigh, North Carolina to Alvin and Pearl Norman. His parents, preceded him in death along with his older brother, Alvin. He is survived by his wife, Carole, daughters, Jessica Kalil (Mike Kirby, longtime friend); Karen Seidnitzer (Frank); “third daughter,” Charlene Miller (Tim); Jocelyn LaRocque; son, Chris LaRocque (Melissa); seven grandchildren, Chelsea; Tabitha (Travis); Joshua (Meagan); Zachary; Alexandra; Aaron; Rebecca; and three great-grandchildren. All of whom he adored and spent numerous hours and days with them. He is also survived by his brother, Barry (Marcia), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, an aunt. and beloved in-laws.

Tommy graduated from Hampton High School, Hampton, Virginia, in 1960. After high school he enlisted in the US Navy. His time in the Navy was spent on the USS Massey, DD 778. He also has been very active with the reunion club for his ship and served as their secretary for a few years. He had attended many reunions held around the United States.

After his enlistment in the navy, he worked for the Newport News Shipyard and then later for the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He also attended Thomas Nelson Community Collage studying “High Pressure Air/Nitrogen, Mechanical Engineering.” He retired from the shipyard as a Senior Designer. After retirement he worked several years as a civilian contractor for Department of the Navy.

Tommy was a “do it all fix-it” fellow. He was always helping family members, neighbors, and friends fixing whatever needed to be done. He was a black belt in Karate, had a love of fast boats, fast cars, and of the American bald eagles. If he wasn’t fixing something, or spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Tom and Carole were spending time enjoying their travels around the United States.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 13 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 14, at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Joe Hunt, at the funeral home. Please see www.peninsulafuneralhome.com/video for live-streaming. Interment will follow at the Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News, Virginia. The family has requested that all attendees to wear masks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Peninsula Chapter, https://www.alz.org/seva or The Salvation Army, https://salvationarmypotomac.org/.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Peninsula Funeral Home.