Duane T. Norris

Duane D. Norris of East Syracuse died Wednesday December 9th. Duane was 96 and lived a full, rewarding life. Known to family, friends and colleagues by his boyhood nickname of “Dit”, Duane grew up on the southside of Syracuse and was educated in Syracuse schools. He was a combat veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army in the Pacific. After military service, he attended business school and began a long career as a cost analyst for Carrier Corporation. He grew restless in retirement and became a driver for SUN Delivery, befriending many people in his daily trips. 

Duane had many interests, including traditional New-Orleans style jazz music and was a longtime board member of the Jazz Appreciation Society of Syracuse (JASS). 

Sports were another passion, and he was a longtime Syracuse University Football season ticket holder, a member of the Carrier Thursday Night golf league, and attended the thoroughbred horse races annually at Saratoga for 70 years.

Duane’s wife of 70 years, Anne B. Norris, predeceased him in 2018. He is survived by his daughter, Shelley N. (David) Usiatynski of Fairport, NY and his son, Thomas D. (Mary Marto) of Loudonville, NY; two grandchildren, Katie Bailey and Kevin (Cara) Usiatynski and great grandchildren, Piper, Jack, Dakin, Camden and Olivia; and many loving friends throughout the Syracuse area. 

The Norris family would like to thank Kristin Glavin, RN and the entire staff at Loretto-Cunningham Hall Floor 10 for their skilled and compassionate care of Duane for the last 2 years. Funeral services were private with entombment in Woodlawn Cemetery. In memory of Duane, contributions may be made to the JASS, c/o 501 Summit Ave., Syracuse, NY 13207.

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