In Memory of Norman Eisenberg

Norm was always a person of incredible courage.                   

Whether playing football, serving in the Israeli Defense

Forces, remaining true to his professional integrity

or battling cancer, Norm never failed to deliver 300%.

After struggling with the disease for less than 10 months Norm succumbed to non-small cell lung cancer on August 1st, 2005 at the age of 50. He was first diagnosed after having a routine gastroscopic biopsy that eventually led to his surprising diagnosis of stage IV non-smokers lung cancer. He experienced

two rounds of intense chemotherapy and later palliative radiation because the cancer spread to his bones and nerve sack at the base of his spine. He died in Calvary Hospital, Bronx, New York.

Ever brilliant in his work and career as a journalist and public relations executive, he was admired and respected by his colleagues and friends. Norm also had the driest, wittiest and sharpest humor of anyone I ever met. He kept me laughing at life’s ironies and difficulties and even at myself. It was an uplifting outlet even in our most difficult struggles including facing his cancer together. He was always kind and gentle in his life and even in his illness. He never took people for granted or held a grudge and taught me many invaluable lessons of true character in the face of adversity.

He was a good and dutiful son, a tremendous partner and loving father. I can truly say that Norm was a special man who always put his family first. He supported me in every aspect of my life and was my rock. He was a caring and committed father who was so incredibly proud of our daughter Samantha and took delight in all of her accomplishments, large and small and every stage of growth. His endless acts of silliness with her and other children will warm my heart for years to come.

He was an avid Big Band and Broadway Music Fan and especially admired Arty Shaw.

Norm’s memory was incredible, second to none, and he could recite details of the era better than any aficionado. When we got married I gifted Norm with Clarinet lessons on Valentines Day. The sounds of his clarinet could be heard all around the neighborhood on bright spring days as he sat on the front steps of our house noodling around. He left a wonderful legacy for my daughter as she is now taking lessons herself and playing his instruments.

I can’t end this tribute to Norm without mentioning his devotion to the New York Yankees and the Indianapolis Colts, two of his other main loves outside of his work and family.

It’s a gift to have known and been loved by Norm and I have been blessed to have shared my life with him for these precious years. He is sorely missed.

Norm is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Samantha, mother Evelyn, sister Elaine, brother-in-laws Joseph and Marty.

We will love you forever, Norm. May God Bless You.

Carol and Samantha