Norman Emil Kuzel

Norman Emil Kuzel, 87, of Lebanon, beloved husband of Ella Mae (Clinch) Kuzel, died December 24, 2021, at Windham Hospital. Born October 25, 1934, in Milford Nebraska; he was the only child of the late Emil and Erma Kuzel. In 1952 Norman enlisted in the United States Navy proudly serving his country for 25 years. During which time he was detailed on the USS George Washington (SSBN-598), the USS Von Steuben (SSBN-632), and the USS Archerfish (SSN-678), 1961 marked the year Norman qualified in submarines. Shortly after his retirement from the Navy he moved the family to Lebanon to start the Louka Zelena dairy farm; during which time he served as president of the CT Jersey Cattle Club. Throughout his life, Norman belonged to numerous organizations; he was a member of the American Legion Post 180, US Submarine Veterans Inc. Groton CT, a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lebanon; volunteering as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and sexton. Norman’s love of country and respect for veterans was exemplified by his countless hours of volunteering as WWII Thames chapter chaplain, numerous honors details, and as a docent at the United States Submarine Force Library and Museum which featured the USS Nautilus. His involvement with Kap (ss) for Kid (ss) allowed him to bring joy to terminally ill children. Norman was inducted into the Holland Club in 2011 marking 50 years as a qualified submariner. His greatest pleasure was to be surrounded by family as often as possible. Norman is survived by his wife of 63 years Ella Mae (Clinch) Kuzel of Lebanon CT. his children and their spouses Norman “Skip” Kuzel II of Port Gibson Mississippi, Shawn and Randy Smith of Norfolk Virginia, Sherrilyn and Kieran Flannery of Lebanon CT., Shayla and Glen Coutu of Lebanon CT., Shirleen and Mike Garrahy of Rocky Hill CT., Shane and Alice Kuzel of Pomfret CT. beloved family friend Mary Horan of Lebanon CT, 18 grandchildren , 9 great grandchildren and his ever loyal dog Penny. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his daughter Shannon Michele Kuzel; grandchildren Nicholas Emil Kuzel and Abbey Marie Coutu. The family would like to sincerely thank the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department and the staff at Windham Hospital for their compassionate care and professionalism. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 31, 2021, at 11:00 AM, at St. Andrew Church, 128 Norwich Avenue in Colchester CT. Masks will be mandatory to attend the mass. Burial will be private at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be sent to Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department: LVFD PO Box 51 Lebanon CT. 06249 or Kap (ss) 4 Kid (ss): Groton Base K4K C/O John Riley 54 Knollwood Drive New Haven CT. 06515. For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com

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