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Norman Spackman Obituary
Boalsburg, PA
Norm was born in Philipsburg, PA on August 17, 1937 and passed away at the age of 75, surrounded by loved ones, after a long, courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, Sept. 25th at the Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College, PA.
He was the son of Lawrence James Spackman and Hazel Donley, from Port Matilda, PA. He had four sisters, Frances Joan Barnett (Karl) of Bal Harbour, FL., Grace Bartley (Dick) (both deceased), Roma Kordes (Terry) of Port Matilda, PA., and Sue Ingram (Alan) of Maryland.
On February 14, 1960, he married the love of his life, Doris Jean Cole, who survives in Boalsburg, PA.
In 1955, he graduated from the Port Matilda High School, then served in the Air Force from 1955-1959. Norm became a part-time Police Officer in Port Matilda in the 1960's, as well Harris Township Police in the 1970's. He worked for 34 years at HRB Singer and nine years at C-COR Electronics as a technician and electronic specialist. After retirement, he was employed at The Horticulture "Hort" Farm at Penn State University from the years 2008-2010 during the summer months.
Norm and his wife were members of the Zion Lutheran Church in Boalsburg, PA. Norm was a member of Mosquito Creek Sportsmen's Club, Tyrone Elks Club 212, Fratenal Order of Police Bald Eagle Lodge #51. He was also a past member and President of the Port Matilda Fire Company and Port Matilda Sportsmen Club. He also served on the Port Matilda Borough Council
Norm was a member of the Harris Township Lion's Club, where he received many awards, including, Lions Club International Foundation Melvin Jones Fellow for Dedicated Humanitarian Services in 2007/2008; Harris Township Lions Distinguished Service Award; and Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation Fellow Award for Meritorious Support.
Norm spent much of his time at his hunting camp, Walnut Grove, located at his family homestead farm in Ardrey Hollow, Port Matilda, PA, where hunting deer, coyotes and turkeys was his passion. At his camp, he was the cook, captain, and "social leader" for all of his family and hunting friends. He enjoyed farming, watching wildlife and being the caretaker of the homestead. He was also an avid fan of Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Steelers, most of the time, catching the games with his wife and family on TV.
His greatest love of all, was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren and going to their events and having weekly Sunday Dinners with the family.
Along with his wife he is survived by his daughter, Teresa Benninghoff Spackman and fiance, Mike Bodle who reside in Julian, PA; Teresa's children, Michael Benninghoff (New Kensington, PA), Heather Cleaver and husband, Aaron Cleaver (Howard, PA), Amy Benninghoff (Coraopolis, PA) and Kelley Benninghoff (Julian, PA).
He is also survived by his son, Norman James Spackman II and daughter-in-law, Debbie Spackman and their children, Christina Spackman and Taylor Spackman who reside in Boalsburg, PA.
He is preceded in death by his parents, LJ and Hazel Spackman, sister Grace Bartley, and his grandson Brian ("Bubbers") James Spackman.
He will be greatly missed by all friends and family and remembered as a gentle, laid back, happy man and a loving husband, father and grandfather.
The family wishes to thank the Nursing Staff of the Oncology Unit and 4th floor of Mount Nittany for the excellent care that was given to Norman in his last days of his life.
He has continued his quest by making an organ donation to the Lion's Eye Bank Organization.
A viewing for Norman will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College with a Lion's Memorial Service, directly following the 8:00pm viewing.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 at 2:00pm, at the Zion Lutheran Church, 305 N. Church St., Boalsburg, PA, with Pastor Robert L. Rohrbaugh and family friend Deacon William Hassler officiating, burial following at the Boalsburg Cemetery.
The family requests that any donations be made in Norman's honor to the Zion Lutheran Church, 305 N. Church St., PO Box 9, Boalsburg, PA 16827
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Spackman
John Fry
September 20, 2025
He was a great man and lots of fun..
John Fry
September 20, 2020
RIP to a wonderful and thoughtful person who is missed so much by family and friends.
Marsha Pross
October 10, 2012
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My sister marilyn Bulriss informed me of the passing. My thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Joe and Brenda (Shope) Masullo
October 5, 2012
Doris and family.... So very sorry to hear of Norm's passing. We pray he rests peacefully in the arms of the angels!! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.....
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Pat Bailey
October 4, 2012
Many blessing to his family and friends. What a wonderful life!
Mike Riden
October 4, 2012
Dear Spackman Family, Please accept my condolences on the loss of Norm. Please keep the great memories and good times with Norm in your thoughts as I know I had many great times and memories with him. Thoughts and Prayers are with the entire Spackman family.
October 4, 2012
I worked with Norm at HRB. He was always interesting and fun to be around. I'm sorry for your loss.
Mike Gabrovsek
Gerry and Dixie Zehner
October 2, 2012
Doris, Norm and Teresa,
Dixie and I send our heartfelt sympathies. Norm was a special friend over the past 35 years or so, even though much of that time was via long distance. He had an infectious laugh and such a positive outlook which served to touch all who knew him. I'm sure that laugh will echo throughout Ardrey Hollow for many years to come.
September 30, 2012
Dear Doris and Family, Sorry to hear about Jim. Our loss is his gain. I'm sure he was greeted by his loved ones and our Lord. You all have our most sincere sympathy and love. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joan Donley and Sherry Donley Cramer
September 30, 2012
To the entire Spackman family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Please accept our deepest sympathy. Frank and Mary Auman, Spring Mills, Pa
Randy and Chrissie Weaver
September 29, 2012
To the Spackman Family, We are sorry for your loss. May you take comfort in the memories.
Randy Gibboney
September 29, 2012
Doris, Norm and family, Sorry to hear the sad news. May all the good memories carry you through the tough days ahead. Thoughts and prayers to all. God has a good man at his side today.
September 29, 2012
Thanks for all the kind thoughts and prayers. My gram and all of us have enjoyed reading the memories and prayers.
Thank you,
Christina and the Spackman Family
Dave Barbara
September 28, 2012
Doris and young Norm, Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I am going to miss my old buddy.
September 28, 2012
Teresa and family, I am so sorry to hear about your father. Thoughts and prayers are coming your way. Take care.
Karen Davis and family
Sharon Horner
September 28, 2012
Doris, Norm, Debbie, Teresa and Faimly,
I am so sorry to hear about Pap. But I also know he's in a better place where he's not sick anymore. So remember the good memories and find comfort in knowing that you all have another guardian angel watching over you.
God's Peace
September 27, 2012
Teresa and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope all of your memories will give you comfort and help to ease what you are feeling now. Your Dad will always be with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dedra Nancarvis
Mary Jo Burega
September 27, 2012
Norm, Debbie and family.... My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your dad. I never met him but felt that I knew him through our conversations. As special as he was, your memories will be special too....
jeff goldblum
September 27, 2012
sorry
Matt Spackman
September 27, 2012
Aunt Doris and Family,
It is hard to sum up in words what Uncle Jim means, not only to me, but to our whole family. He was kind, caring, patient, fun, intelligent and most of all, a role model. He will always be someone that I look up to and admire. He is the glue that holds our family together. There are very few family functions that I recall that didn't take place at the camp. Birthday parties, July 4th, graduations, anniversaries, Thanksgiving, cookouts, and the list goes on. All of these celebrations took place at the camp because Uncle Jim was the heart and soul of our family. And all of these celebrations brought our family closer together each time. I'm immeasurably thankful to have had him as my uncle. I will miss him dearly but I will never forget him.
Joan and Dave Lingenfelter
September 27, 2012
Doris, Norm and family~
We are so very sorry for your loss. You're in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Joanne and Dean Kellar
September 27, 2012
Doris and family, We're so sorry for your loss. Norm was a wonderful man. God bless you all.
Mona and Logan Hill
September 27, 2012
What sad news. We're so sorry and send our condolences.
Anne Wenninger
September 27, 2012
Doris, Norm, Debbie, Theresa, Mike, and families,
Sending my thougths and prayers to you all for your loss. I can not find the proper words to express my deepest sympathies. I was one of the forutnate ones to have shared a little of him with you all. I enjoyed tremendously the days at the hunting camp and always looked forward to my talks with him about hunting, birds, PSU sports, and catching up on all the grandchildrens activities. Those where times I will never forget, but now will surely miss.
He was a great man, so gentle and kind. I admired him beyond words and so enjoyed his company anywhere but especially at Walnut Grove. It will never be the same without him.
Thinking of you all,
Anne
Helen (Vonada) Shope
September 27, 2012
So sorry to hear this ! My prayers are with you all at this time ! He was a wonderful man !
Tabitha Robison
September 27, 2012
Teresa and Family,
Sorry to hear about your loss. The few times I met your father he was a joy to be around. I will never forget the summer he saw to it that I had enough cucumbers to make my pickles. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
September 27, 2012
Teresa and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Lynn & Mike Shank
Sally and Lew Mothersbaugh
September 27, 2012
Doris and Family,
It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially one like Pap who lived for his family. We all know that Pap is in a much better place now so we don't need to worry about him being in pain any longer. Now we can all remember the good times we had with Pap and remember the things that make you all proud of him. Our Love and Prayers are with you all.
Nancy Wagner
September 27, 2012
Doris and family,
I worked with Norm at HRB for many years and although I haven't seen him for some time, I will miss him. Such a kind and sweet person.
Kathy McClintic
September 27, 2012
Doris, Norm, Debbie, Christina, Taylor, and the rest of the family, We are so sorry for your loss, hopefully knowing that you were all so wonderful to him and all the wonderful memories you have together will help you through this. I always enjoyed his laugh in particular. He was always so laid back, no worries, and valued family so much. You all were so lucky to have him for as long as you did - but I know you know that. We are just a phone call away....Love you, Kathy & Rick
Rich Davis
September 27, 2012
Doris and Family,
Please accept our sincere sympathy for your loss. Connie and I enjoyed your neighbors and friends. The world has lost a true champion.
Georgiana Cole
September 27, 2012
Norm and Family,
Sorry to here of the loss of your dad. May you find comfort in the many memories you shared with your dad at this time of sorrow. Prays and thoughts are with you and your family.
Stephanie Smith
September 27, 2012
Doris,
Matt, Victoria, and I send our deepest sympathies to you and your entire family.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
John Fry
September 26, 2012
Doris and Family,
It saddens us of hearing the news of Jim.
He has been a wonderful friend and always fun to be around and will be missed dearly.
Our love goes out to all of you. Love Johnny and Antoinette Fry
September 26, 2012
Love you, Pap! You will be missed and loved forever.
Love,
Christina<3
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