Obituary of Norman K. Hewitt, Sr.

Norm Hewitt, Sr., age 87, died on Sunday, March 28, 2004 at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville. Born October 16th, 1916 in Watchung, NJ, son of Charles and Elizabeth Hewitt, he is the youngest and last of 9 children. He moved to North Plainfield and finally to Warren Township where he resided for 70 years. He played professional minor league baseball for the Delan Fla., Red Hats, an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, and was named the Industrial basketball League MVP while playing for the State powerhouse Greenbrooks of North Plainfield. He also played basketball with the North Plainfield Royals, Bethal Athletic Club, of Plainfield and the Stirling, NJ Athletic Club, the Plainfield Merchants, and once traveled to Alcatraz to play the prisoners in a basketball game. He enlisted in the Army and served his country during WWII in the 77th Infantry Division, and was stationed in Japan from 1942-46. During his service in the military, he earned several Medals including: Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, and Asian Pacific Theater Ribbons. While in the army, he entered the ring as an amateur boxer and won all 6 of his bouts. He also continued playing baseball, playing with the late Dodger great, Carl Furrillo. They remained friends through the years, and Norm took many trips to Ebitts Field in Brooklyn. After serving in the Army he continued playing baseball in the Plainfield Twilight league. While on leave from the army, he married Lorraine Sporman of Warren, to whom he celebrated 61 years of marriage. They shared many special moments together, traveling and enjoying each others friendship and love. Norm Sr. founded the 4th Little League Team in the Warren Township Little League in 1955, and was active in the Watchung Hills Elks and the American Legion both of Warren Post 293. The Flying Eagles of North Plainfield named him Man of the Year in 2000. Norm retired from Houdaille Materials of Summit after 24 years of service in 1977. He loved hunting with his two beagles, Bess and King, fishing the local streams, and attending local High School sporting events. His gentle ways, witty style, and love for children filled his life with joy and many friends. His love and devotion to his family was always his first priority. He had tremendous respect and encouragement for education and admired the bravery of our troops in the military. Pop was a hero, a mentor, a teacher, and the greatest coach any son could ever have. He was a dad of all dads, who gave unselfishly to his family. He will be deeply missed and remembered every day. He became a great grandfather to Andrew James on March 18, 2004. Predeceased by his four brothers, Edgar, Charles, Russell and Albert; his four sisters, Marion, Ruth, Adelaide and Carrie. Surviving are his spouse, Lorraine, two sons Bruce of Warren, and Norm Jr. and his wife Peggy of Millstone, 6 grandchildren, Stacey & James Johnson, Noel, Jessica, Bruce Jr., Gina and Kristen Hewitt. One great grandson, Andrew James Johnson, and many nieces and nephews including Betty and Ken Maire of Bridgewater, N.J. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 2, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung. Interment will be at Springdale Cemetery in Warren. Visitation will be on Thursday, April 1st from 2-4 & 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Warren Little League, c/o Warren Township Recreation Dept., 46 Mountain Blvd, Warren, NJ 07059.