Very sad news. I loved Jack like a brother, and will miss him greatly.  I've known Jack since late 1990, I was 18, he was in the class ahead of mine in the AF School of Music. We both went to New Orleans for our first band assignment after the school. I was drawn to Jack's personality- his sense of humor and sharp wit, his confidence, his appreciation for music. We became good friends quickly. Beyond friendship though, I'd always seek his advice and direction about everything that life was throwing at me- and he would always be there for me, and has been ever since. I'll cherish the memories of our time together there, countless beers and hell-raising all over New Orleans and wherever our Navy gigs took us on the road. Jack was the best friend and a great mentor to me over the years. As I later changed jobs in the Navy, he was always so supportive and proud of my accomplishments. He has always had my back, and even today as I'm writing this from a deployment in Africa, I can't help but think he's looking out for me. I'm so grateful to have known him and will miss him. Thanks for everything, Jack, my brother, God bless you and keep you.   Love, Barry Reilly 

I met Jack Norris..... when I was 16 or 17 at my very first  Canisius High School Dance.  Back in the day that was a big night out.  He had a good sense of humor, beautiful smile..and heck of a dancer.  I lived vicariously through my friends from Bishop McMahon who would report "Jack Norris sightings" on the Porter-Best Bus to me.  
                                                                                                 R.I.P. My Friend.

 I remember painting floats, pounding pitchers of beer, and laughing at Jack’s reaction to Chief Connely’s Request to see him after rehearsal. We were roommates for a while and I shall be forever grateful for the memories. Not long ago I gifted him a bottle of Wild Turkey which he described in the most colorful way. I wish they could put his exact review on the bottle.
I hope you find peace my friend. In memory always.



I met Jack while stationed in New Orleans with the Navy band. We were both in the Big Easy rock band.  On a trip to Pensacola, He turned me on to Killian's Beer. He called it the nectar or the gods. We all loved Jack. He was a rare breed and a great guy to hang with. And, he made excellent buffalo wings! We'll miss you, Jack.

 Rest easy brother.

Tony Tate

The news of Jack's death hit me like a brick.  We shared friendship for nearly 50 years. Starting at the band box gym of Lincoln Field House, through the corridors of Canisius High, the Golden Griffin student section at the Aud, countless rounds of golf (at "Delaware National"), pinochle games, Bills and Sabres games, and, following his relocation to New Orleans, weekly phone calls for Buffalo sports updates, I don't know if I've had more laughs with anyone else. We had spirited conversations on every subject under the sun, solved the world's problems a hundred times over, agreed to disagree on political and philosophical matters, and never lost sight of the common ground that forged our friendship. I will miss my friend. 
Jack and I usually ended our conversations with 'till the next time, brother'.... so to his family I extend my sincere condolences and hopes that we can one day gather to raise a glass to his memory. God Bless!

Have many good memories of Jack from CHS  circa 1973. Who can forget the  Norris brothers serenading us with their  ramblin' band  playing Salty Dog and other classics as the clock wound down  on our  high school education.  My condolences and best wishes to Jack's friends and family.


Jack was a member of the Emerson Playground Saturday morning basketball & the Mount's Mariner Inn East side crew. We always went to see him play no matter where it was. Along with his brother Paul affectionately know to us all as "Puppet". Jack used to give us all a ride to/or home from Mulligans Brick bar back in the day or from Mount's out to Mulligan's on the lake. Had many great times together and have many good memories of Jack. He was a great guy! My condolences to Paul and the Norris family. 

Chuck Szpylman
Buffalo, NY

Jack was a classmate at CHS,’73.  Condolences to all. Paul, Barry fitzgerald called me to let me know about Jack. I have nothing but good memories of him and you. I was thrilled to hear that he found music and teaching. I will always have an image of him in my mind wearing his wig and going toe to toe with McDonough over the length of his hair. Good times .

I met John when I was 13 and he was 12.  We both went to St Lukes.  I believe he was a crossing guard and he would cross me at walden ave.  He was my first love and will always have a special place in my heart.  He loved to play basketball at emerson playground with the older guys.  My deepest sympathy to his family.  May God comfort you in your loss.

OBITUARY

John Peter Norris

September 4, 1955 – September 23, 2018

Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home

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