Norman Kausch Of Sayreville Passes Away At 88

EDISON, NJ — Petty Officer Third Class Norman Kausch of the Parlin section of Sayreville passed away on Sept. 16, 2017. He was 88-years-old.

Born in Jersey City on January 22, 1929, Norman lived a full and long life in his 88 years. He pitched semi-pro baseball in Jersey City for the Jersey City Redbirds before enlisting in the Navy. In the Navy, he was a plank owner and circumnavigated the world on the USS Valley Forge and served on the USS Macon and the USS Hollis. He made time for baseball while on board the ships, playing with his fellow sailors on the hangar deck.

After the Navy, Norman worked as a machine designer and raised a family with his wife of 58 years, Isabelle, in Sayreville. A family man, Norman volunteered as a Little League Coach for his sons' baseball teams, passing down the love of the sport to his children.

Norman was religious, serving as the treasurer for Messiah Lutheran Church for many years, and volunteering frequently with other parishioners to make repairs for Our Lady Of Victories School, where his children attended.

He loved his Cadillac, his New York Yankees and drinking his daily Miller High Life. Norman had a sweet tooth, and would ask for "just a sliver" of pie again and again during family gatherings, until he'd wind up eating nearly half a pie. He had many nicknames, including "Lefty Kausch" and "Stormin' Norman."

Norman is predeceased by his wife, Isabelle, and his parents, Gustav and Hendy Kausch. He is survived by his sister Carol Heinis and his children and their spouses, Paul and Barbara Kausch, Kathryn and David Szilagyi, Matthew and Holli Kausch, Donald and Karen Kausch, Richard and Melissa Kausch, and Jeffrey Kausch, as well as 17 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday 9:15 a.m. from the Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home (15 Cherry Lane, Parlin) followed by a 10 a.m. service at Grace Lutheran Church, Perth Amboy with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington at 12 p.m.

Calling hours at the funeral home will be held Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Norman’s name to Grace Lutheran Church (600 New Brunswick Ave, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861).

Letters of condolence, directions, and completed arrangements may be found by visiting www.spezzifuneralhome.com.

Images provided by the Kausch Family