Norman E. Thompson

Norman Elliott Thompson, loving husband and father of two sons, passed away peacefully in Nyack surrounded by family on September 3, 2025, at the age of 87. Norman was born on June 13, 1938 in Brooklyn New York to James and Mary Thompson.

He graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in Bay Ridge Brooklyn and afterwards Norman proudly served in the Naval Air Reserve before finding his true calling as a New York City Fireman.

For over 34 years he honorably served between Engine 237 in Brooklyn and Engine 64 in the Bronx, as a fireman Norman simultaneously attended night school and acquired his LPN Nursing License from Queens College. Later he rose to the rank of Lieutenant and under his supervision he very proudly “left no man behind”.

His passion for his career was matched only by his love for his wife Bernice Cecilia Gorklo from Queens, New York, whom he married on October 27, 1962 and spent 63 wonderful years together.

He is survived by his devoted wife Bernice and two sons, Michael and his husband Mauricio, and John and his wife Carla and three grandchildren Mia, John and Christopher, as well as numerous friends.

The wake will be held from 2PM to 6PM on Sunday September 7, 2025 at Michael J Higgins Funeral Home, 321 South Main Street New City, New York with a service conducted at 5PM.

Entombment will take place on Monday September 8, 2025 at 11AM in Saint Anthony’s Crypt, 36 West Nyack Road, Nanuet, New York.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation.