Robert L. Norberg

Robert Leonard Norberg, a resident of Dedham, and formerly of Roslindale, Hyde Park, and Jamaica Plain, died Thursday, February 14, 2019 at the Stanley Tippet Home in Needham.  He was 90.  Bob was born November 21, 1928 in Boston, Massachusetts, one of the four children of Alfred and Mary (Michaud) Norberg.  He graduated from Boston Technical High School and, in 1951, he was inducted into the United States Army where he served until 1953.  Bob was honorably discharged as a Corporal from the US Army Reserve in 1957.  In 1956 Bob started Suburban Decorators in Hyde Park and in 1974 the company became known as Charlmarc Kitchens.  He served as the company’s President until his retirement in 2003.  Bob had a bit of acting flair in him; he played the part of Bob-O-Link, a ranger on his children’s television show Hubert’s Holiday, which was broadcast live on WBZ (Channel 4) in 1956, where he introduced and explained various animals to the children.  He also was extremely community oriented, volunteering at ABCD where he organized donations to early intervention programs in Roslindale; volunteering at the Deutsches Altenheim in West Roxbury by assisting with their golf tournaments; and he spearheaded the rehabilitation of the Endicott Greenhouse in Dedham.  Bob served on the Board of Directors of the Roslindale Cooperative Bank; as a member and Past President of the Roslindale-West Roxbury Kiwanis Club; as a member of the Roslindale Parade Committee, where he twice was honored as the Grand Marshall; as an Explorer Scout Leader; and as a multi term President of the Roslindale Board of Trade.  In addition, he was a member of American Legion Post 0462 of Roslindale; of VFW Post 1050 of Roslindale; and of the Dedham Retired Men’s Club.  Bob was the recipient of many certificates from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and from the Massachusetts Senate for his community and volunteer services.  Bob also enjoyed science and mechanics, motorcycling, photography and was an avid boater, belonging to the Old Colony Yacht Club.  He also held his Pilot’s Solo Certificate.  In his “spare time” he delivered Meals on Wheels.

Robert is survived by his partner, Ellen Donovan, of Dedham; his son, Robert L. Norberg of Roslindale; his daughters, Andrea R. Litcof, and her husband Robert Ryan, and Paula M. Norberg of Roslindale; his grandchildren, Lindsay, Emily, Damien, Madison, Aidan, and Aoife; and his great grandson, Clark.  He was the brother of the late Alice Moyer, the late Alfred J. Norberg, and the late William H. Norberg.  Visiting hours will be held Monday, February 18th from 4 to 8 pm at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Tuesday at 10 am at the Funeral Home followed by interment with military honors at the Gardens at Gethsemane Cemetery, Baker Street, West Roxbury.  In lieu of flowers donations to the Stanley R. Tippet Home, 920 South Street, Needham, MA 02492 would be appreciated.