Norbert Chwat

Norbert was born on October 9, 1924 in Berlin, Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1940. Upon his arrival, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Military Intelligence Officer during and after World War II. He graduated from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Washington, DC in 1949. He then worked for the U.S. Department of State as a Protocol Officer and then as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer in Stockholm, Sweden and Rome, Italy. After retiring from the State Department, Norbert served as the Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement at the New York State Liquor Authority.

A longtime resident of Forest Hills, NY, Norbert was an active member of his community. He founded the New Frontier Democratic Club as well as the Forest Hills Action League (with his wife Estelle) to fight tirelessly for the well-being and safety of others in his community. He was also a member of Community Board 6, the Fire Bell Club, amateur radio KA2VVO, and was Vice Commander in both the American Legion (1424 Post and Queens County) and the Jewish War Veterans of the United States (Post 250). He never slowed down, running for City Council and even modeling for print publications in his 70s and 80s. His kindness, experience, civic responsibility, leadership, and dedication were inspiring to his family and others; he will be missed beyond words.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Estelle Chwat, son John Chwat and wife Marsha of Fairfax, VA, and grandchildren Bettina and Matthew Chwat. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 19 at 10 a.m. at Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Funeral Home (114-03 Queens Blvd.) with burial following at Mt. Hebron/Ceder Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer (PO BOX 27106, NY, NY 10087) or to the Jewish War Veterans (1811 R Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20009).

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