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October 11, 2026
Services
Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 PM on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
Funeral services will be held 9:30 AM on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from the funeral home then to Our Lady of the Valley Church, 630 Valley Road where a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass will be celebrated.
For those of you who are unable to attend the Funeral Mass, please click on the following link to watch the livestream: Our Lady of the Valley Church Livestream
Entombment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa.
Norman “Norm” Morley, retired Deputy Chief of the Paterson Fire Department, age 87, of Wayne, passed Sunday, October 11, 2026, peacefully at home with the comfort of family by his side.
Norm was born in Paterson to Harold and Margaret Morley, where he was raised and developed the strong sense of dedication and service that would define his life and career. He graduated from Eastside High School with the Class of 1957, forming lasting friendships with several of his fellow classmates. These friends remained an important part of Norm’s life, sharing many years of memories, camaraderie, and friendship. As the years passed, Norm sadly became the last surviving member of this close-knit group, carrying with him the memories of the special bond they had shared since their younger days.
Norm proudly served in the United States Army from 1962-1964 as a Radio Teletype Operator Spec 4 in Germany during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on July 21, 1964.
After Norm was discharged, he met Nancy Ross while double dating. Their first outing turned out to be quite an adventure when the car in which they were riding broke down and they needed a mechanic to get them back on the road. Despite that unexpected beginning, the two soon fell in love. When Norm knew Nancy was the one, he respectfully asked her parents for their blessing before proposing marriage. They were married on August 1, 1970, at St. Stephen’s Church in Paterson and the reception followed at Nestor’s in Little Falls. They celebrated the beginning of their life together with a honeymoon in Puerto Rico. Norm and Nancy shared a loving, caring, and devoted marriage spanning fifty-six years, building a life together filled with love, commitment, and family. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Michael and David, who became an important part of the legacy they created together.
Deputy Chief Norman Morley was appointed to the Paterson Fire Department on December 1, 1965. During the early years of his career, he was assigned to Tour Two, Engine Company No. 6, stationed at Market and Pennington Streets in Paterson.
On July 1, 1972, Norman was promoted to the rank of Captain and transferred to Tour Four, where he was assigned to command Engine Company No. 13 on Trenton Avenue. Shortly thereafter, he returned to Tour Two and assumed command of Ladder Company No. 2, located at the department’s former headquarters on Van Houten Street.
On October 1, 1977, Norman was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to Tour One. Much of his service in this rank was spent commanding the Second Battalion, responding from the Riverside Firehouse on Lafayette Street.
On April 24, 1987, Norman achieved another milestone in his distinguished career when he was promoted to Deputy Chief and assigned as Tour Commander of Tour Two. His leadership and experience would prove invaluable to the department, and he was twice called upon to serve as Acting Chief of the Paterson Fire Department. His first appointment spanned May 27 through December 31, 1995, and he again served in that capacity from January 1 through October 31, 1997.
Committed to professional development and public service, Norman earned an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science from Passaic County Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety Administration from William Paterson College.
Throughout his career, Norman received numerous honors in recognition of his courage, bravery, and dedication to the community. His awards included the Firefighter of the Year Valor Award from the American Legion’s Falls City Post No. 268, the Passaic County American Legion Valor Award, and the Act of Valor Award from the New Jersey American Legion. He was also the recipient of the Chief’s Medal for Valor and the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Civic Duty.
After more than 37 years of dedicated service to the City of Paterson and its residents, Deputy Chief Norman Morley retired from the Paterson Fire Department on February 1, 2003, leaving behind a distinguished record of leadership, courage, and commitment to the fire service.
Outside of his distinguished career with the Paterson Fire Department, Norm found great happiness in his family, friendships, and the many interests that filled his life. He enjoyed giving back to his community and spent many years coaching Little League in Wayne while his sons, Michael and David, were active in the league. He was a true Mr. Fix It, always ready to tackle a project, and he enjoyed golfing, backyard grilling, completing crossword puzzles at the kitchen table and, many years ago, participating in a Paterson bowling league. A loyal sports fan, Norm rooted for the New York Mets, the New York Jets, and the New Jersey Devils. He also enjoyed country music and relaxing in front of the television watching old Westerns and crime dramas.
Norm loved to travel and create memories with those closest to him. He enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, where he liked staying at the Borgata, and took several cruises over the years. His travels brought him to Alaska, Russia, Canada, Hawaii, and the great family destinations of Disney World, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. While he enjoyed seeing new places, his greatest pleasure was sharing these experiences with his family and making memories that would last a lifetime.
Above all else, Norm was a devoted family man who absolutely adored his grandchildren, affectionately known to them as “Fire Chief Grandpa.” He delighted in wrestling with them, babysitting them several times a week, and taking them on outings to Chuck E. Cheese, The Lantern, and even the Hot Grill in Clifton. Whether he was playing with them, sharing a meal, or simply spending time together, Norm made sure his grandchildren knew how much they were loved. He also treasured dinners with his cousins and was quite the foodie, always happy to enjoy a good meal and the company of family.
Norm took particular pride in introducing his children and grandchildren to his extended fire department family, bringing them to the Paterson firehouses to meet the men and women with whom he had shared so much of his life. His pride in the fire service extended well beyond his retirement. He was a longtime member of the Emerald Society and the Retired Fire Employees organization, maintaining the friendships and camaraderie that meant so much to him.
Norm also enjoyed the fellowship of his regular Dunkin’ Donuts group at the Valley Road location in Wayne, where he gathered with friends for conversation, coffee, and, as the group might have claimed, the discussion and resolution of many important topics. His life was defined not only by his service and accomplishments, but by the love he gave his family, the friendships he cherished, and the countless memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him.
Norm was the loving husband of fifty-six years to Nancy Morley; he was the devoted father of Michael Morley and his wife Jaime of Wayne and David Morley and his wife Melissa of Riverdale; he was the cherished grandfather of Caitlin, Abigail, Shae, and Carter. Norm was predeceased by his brother Harold Morley.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the New Jersey Firemen’s Home, 565 Lathrop Ave., Boonton, NJ 07005 would be greatly appreciated. Please include in the memo of your check that your donation is in honor of Chief Norman Morley so your donation can be properly acknowledged.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 PM on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
Funeral services will be held 9:30 AM on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from the funeral home then to Our Lady of the Valley Church, 630 Valley Road where a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass will be celebrated.
For those of you who are unable to attend the Funeral Mass, please click on the following link to watch the livestream: Our Lady of the Valley Church Livestream
Entombment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa.
October 12, 2026
October 11, 2026
Services
Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 PM on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
Funeral services will be held 9:30 AM on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from the funeral home then to Our Lady of the Valley Church, 630 Valley Road where a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass will be celebrated.
For those of you who are unable to attend the Funeral Mass, please click on the following link to watch the livestream: Our Lady of the Valley Church Livestream
Entombment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa.
Norman “Norm” Morley, retired Deputy Chief of the Paterson Fire Department, age 87, of Wayne, passed Sunday, October 11, 2026, peacefully at home with the comfort of family by his side.
Norm was born in Paterson to Harold and Margaret Morley, where he was raised and developed the strong sense of dedication and service that would define his life and career. He graduated from Eastside High School with the Class of 1957, forming lasting friendships with several of his fellow classmates. These friends remained an important part of Norm’s life, sharing many years of memories, camaraderie, and friendship. As the years passed, Norm sadly became the last surviving member of this close-knit group, carrying with him the memories of the special bond they had shared since their younger days.
Norm proudly served in the United States Army from 1962-1964 as a Radio Teletype Operator Spec 4 in Germany during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on July 21, 1964.
After Norm was discharged, he met Nancy Ross while double dating. Their first outing turned out to be quite an adventure when the car in which they were riding broke down and they needed a mechanic to get them back on the road. Despite that unexpected beginning, the two soon fell in love. When Norm knew Nancy was the one, he respectfully asked her parents for their blessing before proposing marriage. They were married on August 1, 1970, at St. Stephen’s Church in Paterson and the reception followed at Nestor’s in Little Falls. They celebrated the beginning of their life together with a honeymoon in Puerto Rico. Norm and Nancy shared a loving, caring, and devoted marriage spanning fifty-six years, building a life together filled with love, commitment, and family. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Michael and David, who became an important part of the legacy they created together.
Deputy Chief Norman Morley was appointed to the Paterson Fire Department on December 1, 1965. During the early years of his career, he was assigned to Tour Two, Engine Company No. 6, stationed at Market and Pennington Streets in Paterson.
On July 1, 1972, Norman was promoted to the rank of Captain and transferred to Tour Four, where he was assigned to command Engine Company No. 13 on Trenton Avenue. Shortly thereafter, he returned to Tour Two and assumed command of Ladder Company No. 2, located at the department’s former headquarters on Van Houten Street.
On October 1, 1977, Norman was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to Tour One. Much of his service in this rank was spent commanding the Second Battalion, responding from the Riverside Firehouse on Lafayette Street.
On April 24, 1987, Norman achieved another milestone in his distinguished career when he was promoted to Deputy Chief and assigned as Tour Commander of Tour Two. His leadership and experience would prove invaluable to the department, and he was twice called upon to serve as Acting Chief of the Paterson Fire Department. His first appointment spanned May 27 through December 31, 1995, and he again served in that capacity from January 1 through October 31, 1997.
Committed to professional development and public service, Norman earned an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science from Passaic County Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety Administration from William Paterson College.
Throughout his career, Norman received numerous honors in recognition of his courage, bravery, and dedication to the community. His awards included the Firefighter of the Year Valor Award from the American Legion’s Falls City Post No. 268, the Passaic County American Legion Valor Award, and the Act of Valor Award from the New Jersey American Legion. He was also the recipient of the Chief’s Medal for Valor and the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Civic Duty.
After more than 37 years of dedicated service to the City of Paterson and its residents, Deputy Chief Norman Morley retired from the Paterson Fire Department on February 1, 2003, leaving behind a distinguished record of leadership, courage, and commitment to the fire service.
Outside of his distinguished career with the Paterson Fire Department, Norm found great happiness in his family, friendships, and the many interests that filled his life. He enjoyed giving back to his community and spent many years coaching Little League in Wayne while his sons, Michael and David, were active in the league. He was a true Mr. Fix It, always ready to tackle a project, and he enjoyed golfing, backyard grilling, completing crossword puzzles at the kitchen table and, many years ago, participating in a Paterson bowling league. A loyal sports fan, Norm rooted for the New York Mets, the New York Jets, and the New Jersey Devils. He also enjoyed country music and relaxing in front of the television watching old Westerns and crime dramas.
Norm loved to travel and create memories with those closest to him. He enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, where he liked staying at the Borgata, and took several cruises over the years. His travels brought him to Alaska, Russia, Canada, Hawaii, and the great family destinations of Disney World, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. While he enjoyed seeing new places, his greatest pleasure was sharing these experiences with his family and making memories that would last a lifetime.
Above all else, Norm was a devoted family man who absolutely adored his grandchildren, affectionately known to them as “Fire Chief Grandpa.” He delighted in wrestling with them, babysitting them several times a week, and taking them on outings to Chuck E. Cheese, The Lantern, and even the Hot Grill in Clifton. Whether he was playing with them, sharing a meal, or simply spending time together, Norm made sure his grandchildren knew how much they were loved. He also treasured dinners with his cousins and was quite the foodie, always happy to enjoy a good meal and the company of family.
Norm took particular pride in introducing his children and grandchildren to his extended fire department family, bringing them to the Paterson firehouses to meet the men and women with whom he had shared so much of his life. His pride in the fire service extended well beyond his retirement. He was a longtime member of the Emerald Society and the Retired Fire Employees organization, maintaining the friendships and camaraderie that meant so much to him.
Norm also enjoyed the fellowship of his regular Dunkin’ Donuts group at the Valley Road location in Wayne, where he gathered with friends for conversation, coffee, and, as the group might have claimed, the discussion and resolution of many important topics. His life was defined not only by his service and accomplishments, but by the love he gave his family, the friendships he cherished, and the countless memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him.
Norm was the loving husband of fifty-six years to Nancy Morley; he was the devoted father of Michael Morley and his wife Jaime of Wayne and David Morley and his wife Melissa of Riverdale; he was the cherished grandfather of Caitlin, Abigail, Shae, and Carter. Norm was predeceased by his brother Harold Morley.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the New Jersey Firemen’s Home, 565 Lathrop Ave., Boonton, NJ 07005 would be greatly appreciated. Please include in the memo of your check that your donation is in honor of Chief Norman Morley so your donation can be properly acknowledged.
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