Norman Virgil Hall

Norman Virgil Hall, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and veteran, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at the age of 101. Born on March 25, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Norm was the son of Virgil Clyde Hall and Leah Snow. He grew up on Milton Avenue, surrounded by family, neighbors, and the simple joys of childhood—ice deliveries, coal stoves, streetcars, and baseball games in the yard.

Norm graduated from South High School and went on to serve his country with honor as a captain in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. His service took him across the globe—from officer training at Camp Lee, Virginia, to missions in England with the B-24 489th Bomb Group. He returned home with stories of camaraderie, courage, and resilience.

After the war, Norm attended the University of Utah under the GI Bill, where he joined the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and earned a degree in marketing. It was there he met Frances Bertagnole, whom he married on January 5, 1949. Together they built a life filled with music, travel, and family. They raised two children, Christine and Jeffrey.

Norm worked in the hardware industry for many years, including as owner of State Wallpaper Co., a long-time fixture in downtown Salt Lake. He later worked as a small business development consultant for the State of Utah, helping entrepreneurs across the region, and eventually retired from Standard Builders Supply. He had a lifelong love of jazz, attending concerts by legends like Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck, and Tony Bennett. His scrapbook was filled with memories—from Harlem Globetrotters games to Stan Kenton concerts and sailing on Lake Washington in Seattle. He was also a gifted storyteller, known for his quick wit and vivid recollections that brought history to life and laughter to the room.

After Frances’s passing in 1992, Norm found companionship again and married Doris (Dement) Nielsen in 1997. Together they served as members in the Christ United Methodist Church, volunteered at St. Marks Hospital, and embraced life’s later chapters with joy and gratitude until her passing in 2017.

In his later years, Norm discovered a passion for watercolor painting. What began as a quiet hobby blossomed into a deep love for capturing light, color, and memory on paper. He painted regularly, right up until his passing, and his work reflected both his gentle spirit and the artistic thread that runs through his family.

Norm is survived by his sister Janice DeVore, daughter Christine Jordan, along with her children John Nowell (Sharon), Kate (Matt), and Grace (Jason), and his stepdaughter Elizabeth Lee Nielsen through his marriage to Doris. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Marjorie Spackman and Gilbert, and son Jeffrey, who is survived by his wife Sue and their children, Lydia and Erin. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren. Norm will be remembered for his quiet strength, love of music, lifelong friendships, and the deep devotion he showed to his family and community.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Dr in Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice in honor of Norm’s generous spirit and enduring legacy.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at The Ridge Cottonwood Senior Living and Utah Home Health & Hospice for their care and compassion.