Norbert P. Strissel, age 51, of Franklin, passed away suddenly on Friday, January 18, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was born on June 23, 1967 in Miami, Florida to Helmut and Elisabeth Strissel and was the youngest of two children. Norbert was recently the Director of Airport Operations for JetBlue Airways at Boston Logan International Airport and was an inspiration to all he knew. He had previously worked for Jet Blue at Pittsburgh and began his career in Miami. Norbert’s love for aviation began at an early age when his father was an engineer for Pan American (Pan Am) World Airways. Norbert began his aviation career in June 1987 as a customer service/ramp agent with Piedmont Airlines at Miami International Airport, where he met Lynda Vermette, whom he married in 1991. In 2003, Norbert joined JetBlue Airways in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has been a beloved member of the JetBlue family ever since. He was an avid supporter of Angel Flight and was one of the first major partners of Wings for Autism, two charitable organizations that have helped countless families. Since its inception and JetBlue’s initial partnership with Wings for Autism at Boston Logan, the charity has expanded to over 60 additional airports in the JetBlue system.
Norbert loved exploring the world, cooking, watching (wait for it) his Pittsburgh Steelers, and spending time with his family (especially his dog). Norbert is preceded in death by his father, Helmut Strissel, and is survived by his wife, Lynda (Vermette) Strissel, to whom he was married for 27 years. He is also survived by his daughter, Natalie Strissel, his son, Thomas Strissel, his sister, Sylvia Strissel Judd, his mother, Elisabeth Strissel, his loyal pup, Abby, many loving close relatives in Germany, and countless friends including everyone from JetBlue and Piedmont/US Airways. Norbert will be remembered for his impeccable work ethic, spot-on impersonations and infectious humor.
His calling hours will be held on Friday, January 25 from 4-8 pm at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com), 131 Main St, Franklin . His funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 26 at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin.
In lieu of flowers, the Strissel family encourages donations be made to either of Norbert’s favorite charities: Angel Flight NE(www.angelflightne.org) and Wings for Autism (select General Contribution and indicate “Wings for Autism-Norbert Strissel” in the comments field).