Obituary of Norman J. Spackman , 75

Norman James "Jimmy" Spackman 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