Obituary of Norman Bright

Norman E. Bright of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, passed away on October 4th, 2021. Born on August 9th, 1954 in Trenton, NJ, Norman spent his formative years growing up in New Egypt, where he enjoyed racing cars and going on random, last-minute adventures with his lifelong friends Tom Hunt and Dan Woods.

After serving three years on active duty in the Marine Corps, Norman attended the University of Maryland and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. Norman always had a plan for his life and pursued it with vigor, eventually becoming a Special Agent with the U.S. Customs Service. Affectionately known as “G-man” (short for government man) to his family, Norman had a passion for pursuing criminal investigations, as evidenced by all the documentation he saved over the years. He also proudly served in the Air Force Reserves working on F-16s for nearly 34 years.

He deeply loved his wife of 38 years, Christine, and they cultivated numerous interests together over the years while raising their four children. Norman was a proud and loving father and actively participated in his children’s lives, from coaching their sports teams (even indulging in their desire to play a position they perhaps didn’t have the requisite skill for) to leading their scout troops. When Norman moved to D.C. later in his career, he eagerly hosted his adult children at his apartment and never seemed annoyed by his new roommates. His granddog, Winston, held a special place in his heart and Norman was always sure to bring home scraps of meat from restaurants in a plastic bag for him.

Norman was a lifelong learner, diligently following the news and always with several books on his nightstand. In addition to books, he accumulated stacks upon stacks of newspapers and clippings on topics that intrigued him. Though generally quiet in social gatherings, Norman was always listening intently, waiting for the opportune moment to employ his razor-sharp wit. He was a dedicated patron of De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies, often bringing his four young children to the original location in downtown Trenton (that lacked a bathroom!). Wherever work travel led him, he would always make time to get out and explore nearby national parks and historic sites.

Norman was predeceased by his father and mother, Norman and Evadnie Bright. He is survived by his wife, Christine; his four children, Norman (Kathryn) of Washington, DC, Matthew of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Catherine (Winston) of Arlington, VA, and Jennifer of Jacksonville, FL; three sisters and three brothers, Cynthia (Jim) Newell of New Egypt, NJ, Camille (Bruce) Horner of New Egypt, NJ, Philip (Beth) Bright of Frederick, MD, Derek Bright of Las Vegas, NV, David Bright of San Diego, CA, and Stephanie Bright of New Egypt, NJ; and many extended family members and friends.

A memorial service in honor of Norman will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 3rd at Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton Adelphia Road in Freehold, NJ. A burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in his name to the American Battlefield Trust or the National Park Foundation. For directions, information, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com