Norman was born in Crookston, MN to Leo and Grace Capistran. Having worked different jobs as well as helping on his uncle’s farm, Norman decided to join the Navy after HS graduation as America was at war in the Pacific.
His career began in Norfolk, VA as a member of the Hedron 5-2 seaplane squadron monitoring the coast for enemy vessels and then transferred to Coco Solo, Panama to be a deep sea diver with a rescue and salvage team as the US built up their defenses in the canal zone.
His next duty station was on the USS Whitley, an attack/cargo ship tasked with suppling the growing number of bases throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas after the war. Norman then was back in Norfolk as an instructor with AOTE, an amphibious training program that lasted for six years. It was during this assignment that he met and married his wife of 56 years, Katherine (Sutton) of Norfolk.
He was next transferred to the GITMO Naval base in Cuba. He brought his wife and young son to the island at the same time as Castro took over mainland Cuba. This deployment lasted three years where they developed many lasting friendships.
Norman’s next assignment was his most unusual as he and the family were relocated to Minnesota, not far from his hometown and many relatives as a Navy recruiter. His three years there allowed him to spend time with his parents and many relatives and enjoy the cabin he built on Union Lake.
He was again transferred to Norfolk, VA for the 4th time to end his career on the USS Aldebaran, another supply ship serving the Mediterranean. All total he only spent six years assigned to sea duty of twenty four years of active duty. He retired in Norfolk staying closer to Katherine’s family and began a new career working at the Navy Supply Center until he retired again.
Norman and Katherine enjoyed many summer vacations at their lake house and travelling with friends. Norman also kept his friends entertained with tales of his many experiences and travels.
Norman is survived by his son Walter (Jeanne), grandsons Adam (Julie), Nate (Jessica), and Joseph Capistran; great grandchildren Riley, Wesley, Brinley and Arabella Capistran; sisters Ardis Leguee, Dorothy Denis, Marie (Marvin) St. Germaine, Rose Klebs; brother Dennis Capistran and many caring nieces and nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Norman was preceded in death by his wife Katherine, brothers Warren (WWII France) and Ronald, sister Jeanette Panzer and nephews David Capistran and Earl Panzer.
Our family thanks the caring CNAs that assisted Norman at his home, Vanessa Jones and Rochelle Davis and the assisted living facilities – The Gardens of VA Beach and The Waterford at VA Beach.
A memorial service to celebrate and remember Norman’s life will be held at Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel on Saturday, May 31st at 1 PM, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider planting some instead.
