David Richard Normann was born in New Orleans on November 21, 1925, and died peacefully at his home in Metairie on October 13, 2018, at the age of 92. He was preceded in death by his father Frank Simon Normann, Sr., and mother Ruth Hernandez Normann, as well as his brothers Frank Normann, Jr., and Robert Normann. David is survived by Barbara Normann, his loving wife of almost 50 years, and his children and stepchildren – Susan Pansano (Earl), David “Mike” Normann (Anne), Louise Fruge (James), Robert Normann (Kimberly), Mary Taylor (Robert), Roy Richardson, Jr., and Michelle Schade. He is also survived by his sister Helen Normann Bolvig, 13 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
David enlisted as an Officer Candidate in the United States Army Air Corps at the age of 18 during World War II. When the war ended, he was in training to be a bomber navigator and was honorably discharged. He returned to New Orleans and earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctorate from Tulane University. Following law school, he joined his father’s law practice – forming the firm Normann & Normann.
As an attorney, he was regarded as a foremost authority in the area of maritime law. In 1968, he briefed and argued a case before the United States Supreme Court. He served two terms as Secretary of the Louisiana Bar Association and Vice President of the New Orleans Bar Association.
After practicing law for 31 years, David joined the faculty of Loyola Law School in 1981 and continued working there for three-and-a-half decades. At Loyola, he was granted tenure as well as an endowed professorship. Additionally, David served two terms as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and was a founding member of the St. Thomas More Inn of Court. He taught numerous classes and was chosen Professor of the Year six times by the student body.
In 1993, David was selected by the judges of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana to chair the Advisory Group for the Civil Justice Reform Act. Over the course of three years, the Advisory Group authored an extensive three-year report with the objective of reducing costs and delays in civil litigation.
Despite having earned many professional awards and titles, the title that he truly cared about was “Ole Buddy,” which was a name given to him by his grandchildren. No matter how busy he was at work, Ole Buddy always had time for his family. Not only was he both loving and generous, but he also never missed an opportunity to teach his children and grandchildren to learn from their mistakes.
David’s family would like to thank Charlie Diaz, Dorcus Green, Stanisha Dimes, Lourena Price, and Rita Sewell, the caregivers who assisted in ensuring his comfort and happiness.
Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Dr. Thomas Strong of Metairie Baptist Church where David was a member. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.
To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
