William J. Normart of King of Prussia

William J. Normart passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at his home in King of Prussia, PA. He was 96.

He was born in Philadelphia, PA and raised by his aunts, Mary T. Normart and Lydia B. Normart in Glenolden, PA.

Bill attended Westtown School where his talents in drawing and woodworking were evident. He helped his art teacher, George Whitney, with pen & ink backgrounds for book illustrations. A special memory for Bill was when his art teacher took him to meet the famous illustrator, N. C. Wythe, in his studio.

As a boy he loved spending his summers in Canada at the farm of his Aunt Anna Sissons. Bill was fond of all animals, especially cats. Bill attended the Philadelphia Museum & School of Industrial Arts. Afterwards he landed his “dream job” working for Baldwin Locomotive Works in Eddystone, PA.

Bill was a WWII veteran and served for 2½ years stationed in Hawaii. After the Army, Bill took a night class at Penn State in drafting, he said “to learn the lingo”. Bill got his start in the field of architecture at Mansell, McGettigan, Fugate & Rapp in Phila., where he worked for many years doing architectural drawings and design. Bill also worked for Mediq Architects Inc., Granary Assoc., Gasparri Bros. and Lenhardt & Rodgers.

Bill loved travelling across the country with his wife, Libby. The Grand Canyon was a favorite place. He first visited there with his aunts, Mary & Lydia, when he was 10 years old. Later some of his ashes will be scattered at the Canyon by family in Arizona. Bill had a lifelong love of trains and was a dedicated member of the PA Live Steamers in Collegeville, PA. He designed and built many of the structures on the grounds of the train club. Bill’s friends and family have enjoyed the fruits of his woodworking skills. He could build anything from a delicate jewelry box to a backyard shed or train station.

William was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 12, 1921.

Surviving is his loving family including his two sons, Martin Normart of Bethlehem, PA, and Robert Normart and his wife, Marlin, of North Wales, PA; one daughter, Christine Hoenstine and her husband, John, of Doylestown, PA; five grandchildren: Robin Normart and his wife, Cyndy, Elizabeth Hoenstine, James Hoenstine and his fiancée, Casey White, Keith Normart and Priya Normart; two greatgrandchildren, Molly and Jenna; and many other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marian C. (Campbell) Normart and his second wife, Elizabeth “Libby” (Brand) Normart.

William’s Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 22nd at 11:00 am at Pennsylvania Live Steamers in Collegeville, PA. For additional information call Christine Hoenstine 267-337-5315.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to PA Live Steamers, P. O. Box 26202, Collegeville, PA 194260202, or any charity of your choice.