Norman Samuel Smalletz

Norman S. Smalletz, 83, of Cary, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026.

Born in Paterson, New Jersey, on November 29th, 1942 to the late Samuel and Amelia Smalletz (Derr), Norm grew up in Paterson and was the eldest of three children. He earned a B.A. in Business in 1964 and an M.B.A. in 1965, both from Rutgers University, and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma honor societies.

From 1966 to 1969, Norm served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War as a Lieutenant in the Supply Corps aboard the aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34), one of the most experienced combat carriers in the Pacific Fleet, famously nicknamed the “Mighty O.” There was never a gathering without Norm sharing proud stories from his adventures at sea, from secret missions on land to procure supplies for the admiral, and organizing strategic international meetings.

After his distinguished service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Navy Unit Citation Award. Later, in 2003, he received the Distinguished Military Service medal from Morris County, NJ.

Norm began his career with RCA Corporation in 1965 as a Systems Analyst, followed by BMG Entertainment as a Quality Assurance Analyst and Manager of Systems and Procedures. In 1997, he joined the Training Department of AIG as Senior Training Specialist. In 2002, Norm decided to make a career change and earned a Paralegal Certificate from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He was elected into Lambda Epsilon Chi and worked as a family law paralegal for several years.

Norm was a member of the United Methodist Church of the Rockaways since 1977 and served as Financial Secretary for a number of years, which is how he met his beloved wife, Dorolyn E. (“Dorie”) Smalletz (Kophen), while counting current expenses. The church “ladies” put Dorie at Norm’s table to help and that’s how it all began. Norm took her to the Cock'n Bull Restaurant in New Hope, Pennsylvania, for their first date and the rest is history. Norm and Dorie were married on June 30th, 1979. On that day, Norm took on an instant family as Dorie had two boys (Tim and Gerry) who were 14 and 11 years old. A little over a year later, Cindy was born, bringing so much joy to Norm and the entire family. Norm and Dorie spent most of their lives in Rockaway, New Jersey, where they raised their family and formed many lasting friendships. The entire family spent a lot of summers in New Hampshire at Newfound Lake where great memories were made.

After retirement in 2009, Norm and Dorie moved to Carolina Preserve in Cary, North Carolina, where they were active in the community and shared their love of travel, learning, card games, and laughter with new lasting friends. They enjoyed travelling to visit their family around the country, as well as vacations including Christmas in Vienna, Austria, cruises, and one of his favorite places, Beaufort, North Carolina.

Dorie passed away at the age of 87 on August 10th, 2025, in North Carolina. She was the love of his life and they shared more than 46 years of marriage. She affectionately referred to him as her “confidante and bridge over troubled waters.”

Norm is survived by his devoted daughter, Cindy Smalletz, and her husband Adam Enea of Glen Ridge, New Jersey; and two loving step-sons, Tim Grant and his fiancée Lesley of Bensalem, Pennsylvania; Dr. Gerry Grant and his wife Dr. Nicole Grant of Durham, North Carolina; and 4 grandchildren, Katie, Colin, Rachel, and Elliot.

Sincere and humble, Norm was the anchor of the family. He was strong-willed, insightful, and fiercely loyal to those he loved. Beyond being a loving husband, father and grandfather, he was a mentor, trusted advisor, and wonderful friend to many, and will be remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, compassion, and humor.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Brightspire Foundation are appreciated. You can go to the online portal located below "Donations" or checks can be made out to the Brightspire Foundation and mailed to 4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary, NC 27511 (add “In memory of Norman Smalletz” in the memo line).

Norm’s life will be celebrated with a visitation held at Apex Funeral Home, on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM with a short service at 12:30 PM.