Robert C. “Bob”/ “Sarge”/ “Buzz” Norman, Jr.

Robert C. “Bob”/ “Sarge”/ “Buzz” Norman, Jr., age 76, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Born in Wilmington, DE on May 24, 1950, he was a son of the late Robert Clarence and Mary (Timmons) Norman, Sr. Robert was a dedicated and faithful husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. He grew up with humble beginnings and was the second of six children. Robert was a graduate of Christiana High School, and shortly after began working at the Chrysler Plant in Newark, Delaware. During this time, while out with a friend one evening, he met the love of his life, Kathy when they stopped in the local Dairy Queen where Kathy had been working. The two instantly began dating, fell in love, and eventually married in a private ceremony shortly after he was drafted to serve in the United States Navy.

Robert was stationed, and the two relocated to Patuxent River, Maryland after completing boot camp, where he served as a medic and x-ray technician in the local hospital. After serving two years, the couple moved back to Delaware, where they started a family. Robert attended the University of Delaware, achieving his associates degree in preparation for applying to the Delaware State Police. Becoming a police officer was one of his biggest dreams and he was ecstatic when he was accepted.

Robert started his career with DSP in 1978 where he served faithfully and honorably for 25 years, retiring in 2005. He was nicknamed “Buzz” in the academy, a nickname that followed him throughout his career. He was a passionate and proud state trooper. During his career, he had the pleasure of pinning his sister and his great nephew into the state police brotherhood. Throughout his career, Robert was stationed at Troop 6 (near Prices Corner), serving in the canine unit in that division, and finished his career at Troop 9 (Odessa, Delaware), where he spent a better part of his career. He was in charge of pay jobs and took that responsibility seriously. He is often described by those who knew him as selfless, proud, hard-working, dedicated, and a bit comical. His adventures with DSP are often still talked about to this day and he will go down as a legend in the Delaware State Police. His “boys” as he would lovingly refer to them were and always will be a part of his family.

After Robert retired from the state police, he began a new career at Diamond Materials, acting as their Safety Director for the next 13 years. This new opportunity also afforded him the opportunity to work side-by-side with his son, Jason on a daily basis. Robert always took pride in his work and set an excellent example for those around him. He was easy to talk to and could always be depended on to finish a task. Robert was respectful of all those who he came in contact with. After his second retirement, he joined the American Legion where he and his wife were members for several years, even being elected Treasurer for part of his time there. He enjoyed vacationing with his wife and friends, cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, and watching Law & Order. He was well known for screaming “Get down!” to the grandkids when the Eagles scored, and they would all drop to the floor with feet in the air, flailing and singing, E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!

His greatest love, however, was that of his family. Robert was faithfully married to his wife, Kathy, for over 55 years and raised three amazing children. He was a proud and devoted father who attended every sporting event, school activity, or production. Robert always provided what was needed the most, whether it was a stern talking to or just an ear to listen or providing encouragement. His greatest joy came with the birth/addition of each new grandchild and lovingly taking on the new title of “Sarge,” as he refused to be called Grandpa as this made him sound old. In total, Robert was blessed with five grandchildren, who loved spending time with him, and sharing his fun, loving and witty banter.

Robert was a proud, hard-working, selfless, dedicated, faithful, adoring, and honest man with a quick wit and a mischievous side. He was certainly a force to be reckoned with at times and a big teddy bear at others. He will be missed dearly by all those who had the genuine pleasure of getting to know him.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Kathleen (Conway) Norman; children, Nicole Fisher (David), Robert Jason Norman (Jessica), and David Norman (Jennifer); grandchildren, Emma Fisher, Abby Fisher, Luke Fisher, Jaxson Norman, and David Norman, Jr.; siblings, Lil Orr (John), Corbit Norman (Nancy), Nancy Culver, Mary Lou Bartkowski (Danny), and Billy Norman; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12:30 p.m. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to the Delaware State Trooper Association (DSTA) Benevolent Fund, P.O. Box 168, Cheswold, DE, 19936; or to the Joseph B. Stahl Memorial Post #30, 156 A North Dupont Highway, New Castle DE  19720.