Norman Coenelius Heinle Jr. of Little Silver, beloved husband, brother, father and “Grand Norm,” peacefully passed away Dec. 3, 2023, surrounded by his adoring family and overlooking his longtime home on the serene waters of the Navesink River.
Norm, as he was fondly referred to by all who knew him, including his 10 grandchildren, was born in Newark in 1943 to Marie Karl and Norman C. Heinle. The eldest of eight siblings, Norm’s educational journey included Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Benedict’s Prep, and St. Bonaventure University before earning his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU).
His dedication to learning and intellect propelled him into the world of business, where he joined and eventually acquired Datamatics Management Services, Inc. Under his stewardship, the company flourished for 50 years. Norm’s passion for teaching led him to mentor at Rutgers University and FDU, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many, including those within the Datamatics family, several of whom worked by his side for decades.
Prior to starting his career, Norm served on active duty for the Air National Guard in Denver, Colorado, where he met the love of his life, Patricia. They married in June 1968 and lived between South Orange and Sea Girt, where they started their family by welcoming their first three children. Norm’s strength was challenged with the loss of their first child. His faith led his family to add two more children and, in 1980, they relocated to their beloved home on Blossom Cove where they raised their four children and resided until 2019.
An avid sports fan, Norm loved being active and spending time outdoors. He was the captain of his college tennis team and played paddle tennis at Orange Lawn Tennis Club. He rooted for his alma mater’s teams (go Bonnies!) and relished watching sports. From the sidelines of his family’s games or in the comfort of his living room with a cold beer in hand or tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream on his lap, his presence was magnetic.
Norm was larger than life, a true force of nature with a vibrant sense of humor and an enormous heart. He was always up for a good time, be it taking the family boating or skiing or just spending time at home. He enjoyed many weekends maintaining his home with his kids – and their friends – by disguising chores such as painting and raking leaves. He strategically instilled lifelong lessons of hard work and the value of a dollar, always with the constant glow of his unbeatable suntan and a sparkle in his eye.
His family and friends were everything to him. Visitors to the Heinle home were welcomed by Norm with the offer of a drink or a dip in the pool, accompanied by a “Normism” that would get one thinking, laughing and usually both. His wit, wisdom and stories were endless. Everyone who met him immediately felt they knew him for a lifetime and were blessed to be a part of his extended family.
From the ski slopes to hosting family trips in the Dominican Republic and international travels with his loving wife, the memories he created will be cherished forever. He was greatly admired by all who knew him and a true legend who will be dearly missed.
Norm is survived by his wife Patricia and his four children, Noah (Christine), Heather (Andrew Warner), Hilary (Tomas Gomez), Somer (Peter Jefferiss), and his 10 grandchildren, Van, Anabelle, Charlotte, Noli, Winston, Fletcher, Malcolm, Zoe, Sebastian and Cooper, as well as his seven siblings and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Marie Heinle, and his son Norman Cornelius III.
Visitation was held Dec. 7 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Dec. 8 at St. James Church, Red Bank. A private burial for family was held Dec. 9 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at jdrf.org in memory of Norm.
This article originally appeared in the December 21 – 29, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
