IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, the family suggests a memorial contribution be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2718 Overbrook Drive, Raleigh, N.C. 27608, or the charity of your choice. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Joseph Norkus, Sr. passed away on May 6, 2016; he was 94.

John was born on April 22, 1922 to Joseph Martin and Adeline Caliman Norkus in Brooklyn, NY. During WWII, he served 5 years in the Army; 44 months in the Pacific theatre, with action on Guam and duty on Tinian Island. When stationed in Birmingham, AL he met Anne Theresa Alfano. They were married on Nov. 14, 1945, together almost 62 years until Anne’s death in July, 2007.

Moving to Raleigh in 1948, he worked in sales and service for Royal Typewriter, twice achieving the National Top Salesman of the Year. He retired from Royal in 1976 and opened Quality Business Machines.

He served faithfully with the Knights of Columbus for over 65 years, at one time honored to be Grand Master of the Fourth Degree for NC. For many years he coordinated collections for the March of Dimes and the Tootsie Roll give-away/donations for the special needs population. An enthusiastic golfer and bridge player, he and Anne enjoyed an active social life with friends from Our Lady of Lourdes and the Bellevue Terrace neighborhood.

John is survived by his sons: John, Jr. (and Betty), Christopher (and Karen), Charles (and Becky), and Joseph (and Mary); nine grandchildren: John III (and Lizzie), Lea (and Park Brigtsen), Christopher Nod (and Elizabeth), Caleb (and Danielle), Christopher Conan, Rebekah (and Matt Werner), Joseph Jr. (and Susan), Elizabeth (and Brock Paschal), and Katherine; seven great grandchildren: Josie, John IV, Parker, London, Zoe, Gianna, and Isabella Jane; and his sister Patricia Norkus Rollins.

A memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Wednesday, May 11 at 11:00 AM. Friends may gather after in the Fallon Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a memorial contribution be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2718 Overbrook Drive, Raleigh, N.C. 27608, or the charity of your choice.