Norman J. Okuley

Norman Joseph Okuley, born April 21,1947, left this life on March 1, 2011. He died in St. Luke's ICU after a short severe respiratory failure. Norman, Norm, Normie was an awe-inspiring man by size at first sight and then by his character as you came to know him. His core identity always remained that of a Holgate Henry County farm boy. What that meant to Norm was a collection of values and experiences that included, above all, honesty and integrity. With those in place he pursued a readiness to work hard, respect of people, fairness, and a devoted loyalty to family, friends, and employers. Norm was truly a man of his word to the very minute and penny and all these attributes were displayed with the kindness or firmness needed. But what will probably remain most prominent in our memories of Norman was his most unique and exquisite sense of playfulness and humor unless a serious situation blocked it. Norm was playful, teasing, jokester whose smile and repartee was worth a ticket. There was always a small boy in Norm's adult body. Norm was the son of Donald and Marcella Okuley. He grew up outside of Holgate, Ohio on the family farm. Norm was the oldest of 3 boys. He has loved and respected his brothers Dennis and Roger through the years. His parents taught him many valuable lesson about life and he secretly remained a "mamma's boy". Norm graduated from Holgate High School in 1965 and attended BGSU. It was in Toledo that he met his life long best friend and deceived her into marrying him, promising that he would be quiet and well behaved. Dorothy Clements and Norman were married February 5, 1972. Their extraordinary friendship and marriage continued until his last breath. Norm began work at ARCO and HFC and then went into the banking business where his integrity and attention to financial detail was well placed. For 20 years he proudly served First Federal Bank and made life long friends. He was devastated and mortified at the fall of First Federal. Good fortune befell Norm and Dr. Clark Weidaw when he went on to be Dr. Weidaw's office manager and beloved friend. In recent years, Norm worked for Metamora Bank and Signature Bank. We hope that Norm's joy and love of life will live on through those who have enjoyed his special life. Norm is survived by his wife, Dorothy, father, Donald Okuley, brothers, Roger (Kay) and Dennis (Deborah) Okuley along with a number of nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his mom, Marcella Okuley. Friends may call at the Coyle Funeral Home 1770 S. Reynolds Road Friday 2-5 p.m. and 6:30 thru 8 p.m. where a Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. The funeral will begin in the mortuary Saturday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may take the form of a contribution to American Heart Association or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Norman J. Okuley

April 21, 1947 - March 1, 2011