Norman Emerick

GORHAM — Norman Kenneth Emerick, 97, passed away at his home on April 18, 2018.

The son of Alvin and Violet Emerick, he was born in Shamokin, Pa., on March 6, 1921. He was raised in Shamokin and attended local schools. He earned a diploma from the Williamson College of the Trades in Media, Pa., and then joined the United States Army, serving in World War II. After being honorably discharged from the military, he earned a bachelor of science degree in engineering from Penn State University, taking advantage of the GI Bill.

He married his first wife, Merilee J. Milliken, and settled in New York to raise their family.

His job at General Electric provided him with the opportunity to relocate his family to Singapore, where he set up and managed the new clock radio division. In 1981, Norman left GE and took a job with the Fisher-Price Toy Company, where he was on the research team that developed the first baby monitor.

After he retired, he moved with his wife to Florida. After Merilee passed away, Norman met his second wife, Virginia Walsh, with whom he later moved to Gorham. They enjoyed many happy years of marriage, and were able to wish each other a happy 20th wedding anniversary, the very morning he unexpectedly passed away.

Norman was a passionate sports fan and enjoyed supporting his two favorite teams, the Boston Red Sox and Penn State football. He often spoke fondly of his Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. He was a kind, gentle soul, filled with love for his family and friends. He touched many lives, and had a way of making everyone feel loved and included. He will be missed.

Norman was predeceased by his wife, Merilee Emerick; his daughter, Judith Yahyavi; and his two brothers, Alvin and Hubert Emerick.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Emerick of Gorham; his daughters, Lynn Maleno of Erie, Pa., Lisa Emerick of London, England, and Diane Knott of Gorham; his sons, David Emerick of Lusby, Md., and David Walsh of Raymond; 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at 10 a.m., at St. Anthony’s of Padua Parish, 268 Brown Street, Westbrook. A reception will immediately follow the service in the church hall. Norman will be interred next to his wife Merilee, in Beverly Hills, Fla., at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Westbrook Chapel of Dolby, Blais & Segee.

Please visit www.dolbyblaissegee.com to view Norman’s tribute page and to sign his online guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Norman’s memory to his alma mater, the school to which he was most grateful for the start in life it gave him: Williamson College of the Trades, 106 S. New Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063 (https://www.williamson.edu/giving/make-a-gift/).