PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – Norman Francis Harte Jr., 75, died Sunday, May 26, 2013, at Hope Hospice House, Cape Coral, Fla. He was born June 11, 1937, in Kearny, N.J., to Norman and Kathryn Harte.
Norman graduated from Boonton High School in 1955 and received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Farleigh Dickinson University. He married Esther Wescott, in 1963. Norm started his career at Hoffman La Roche as a chemist, and then went on to positions in sales and marketing with Owens Illinois, working both domestically and internationally. In 1980, he joined International Paper, becoming president of IP in Tokyo. Later in his career with IP, he worked in Iowa, Tennessee, Taiwan, France and Poland. In 1999, Norm and Esther retired to Island Falls and Punta Gorda, Fla. He was an avid sailor and a member of both the Mariners of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Isles Yacht Club where he enjoyed the many friendships made there. Norm was a proud founding member of The North Jersey Whiz Skiers and a former national ski patrolman.
Norm is survived by his wife, Esther; and their four children, Jeffrey Harte married to Yoshino Tsuruta of San Jose, Calif., Amy Harte Hossfeld married to Martin Hossfeld of Peekskill, N.Y., Merideth Harte Londigan married to Todd Londagin of Peekskill, N.Y., and Jeniffer Harte Cogliantry married to Michael Cogliantry of Portland, Ore. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Finn, Ada, Tanner, Asami, Misaki and Wilson. Norm taught them all the joy of fishing and sailing.
A family memorial service will be held this summer in Island Falls, where he served as president of Island Falls Lakes Association. The family extends its deep gratitude to the many friends and family members who have been such a great support, and requests that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made in Norm’s honor to Maine Public Broadcasting Network, www.mpbn.net. Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. To leave the family condolences and to sign the online guest book, please visit www.kays-ponger.com.
Norman Francis Harte Jr.
