Norman Katzenberg, 90, born in Bronx, NY, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023.
He was born to Russian immigrants and was a first generation American. Norman moved to Newport News as a child and was a graduate of Newport News High School. He received his degree from RPI, now VCU, where he played on the basketball team. He served in the U.S. Army post Korean War.
Norman started his professional career in real estate but soon established his own construction company, Katzenberg Homes, building fine custom homes. Norman excelled in many sports. He played countless hours of tennis at the Hilton Tennis Club and could be found biking miles upon miles around the Peninsula well into his 70’s. His true love was skiing. He spent 25 years as a ski patroller at The Homestead and was founder and president of the 1st Newport News Ski Club.
He was extremely driven both in his work and sports. He was an exemplary member of the Newport News community and will be remembered as a kind and humble man with a very witty sense of humor.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Jack & Esther Katzenberg and his sister, Arlene Schleifer. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie of 49 years; his son, Jonathan of California; his daughter, Sami (Alex Whiteman) of Denver, and nieces, Jackie Kling and Nancy Karten.
A Graveside Service will be held at noon on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Rosenbaum Cemetery, 1817 Kecoughtan Rd, Hampton, VA by Rabbi David Eligberg.
