Norman M. Pokras, DDS

Norman M. Pokras, D.D.S., age 84 beloved Oral Surgeon practicing in Long Beach in Lakewood-Village for over 50 years passed away March 5 after a brief illness. He was a kind and loving husband to Sheila, Judge (ret), and father to Allison (Jeff) of Santa Cruz, Andrea (Brad) of Huntington Beach and Laurence of Westminster. He was a devoted grandfather to Jason, Amiee, Rachel and Sebastian.

He was a die hard "Laker" fan, a delightful jokester, movie buff, lover of Tchaikovsky, poetry, 1930-45 music, Frank Sinatra, and reader of Kellerman's, Robert Parker, Moseley and other authors of mysteries.

Norm was a patented inventor of medical and dental appliances. "Norm" was an animal lover, botanist and an extremely talented artist. Each year he drew amazing holiday cards which are collector's items for many.

He was born in Connecticut and raised in New Jersey to parents Harry and Sylvia. He is survived by sister Rhoda of New Jersey and predeceased by brother Jerry.

He did his undergraduate work at Rutgers University (Newark) and had an early acceptance to Temple U., School of Dentistry. He completed his Oral Surgery training at Newark City Hospital, NYU and Harlem Hospital.

Upon completion of training, Norman was commissioned a Captain in the Air Force and arrived in California. With his wife and two daughters, they spent two years at Travis Air Force Base where Norm practiced Oral Surgery. Son Larry was born in Long Beach. The three children went to Lakewood High.

Most of his staff were with him for many years some at least for 20 years. In fact some were the children of his original staff. He loved having second generation assistants.

Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 13th at Pacific View Memorial Park & Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your favorite charities.

Arrangements under the direction of Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary FD1176, Corona Del Mar, CA.