Norman Ketola, born February 5, 1938, in Morristown, New Jersey, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026.
Norm grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and as a young boy he and his childhood friends were often up to great mischief: riding their motorcycles, making zip guns, going to dances throughout Brooklyn and New York City. He and his friends drove across the U.S. at the age of 17 with a big Studebaker complete with running boards, taking jobs across the country, including fighting forest fires to finance their trip.
He attended Brooklyn Tech High School, followed by City College of New York, and the University of Arizona, Tucson, studying mechanical engineering. Upon completing, he began his career as a mechanical engineer and served in the U.S. Army. In 1974, he founded his own company, Applied Resource Integration, Ltd., with a friend. It was during this time, he met and fell for the love of his life, Deborah, marrying in 1986.
Norm and Deb loved their life and time together. They began every day with a cup of coffee, hers black, his with a lot of half-and-half. Together they enjoyed traveling through Greece, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Ireland, Costa Rica and many other places throughout the U.S., Caribbean and Canada. Some of their favorite memories were the mystery rides they would take together on a lark, never really knowing where the ride would take them, music loud and wind blowing. His favorite place In the world, however, was 57 where he and Deb loved entertaining family and friends, spending 35 years together in their Marblehead home.
More than anything, Norm was always his happiest when surrounded by his wife, four children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His face would always light up as each family member entered their home. He was tremendously proud of his family.
Norm is survived by his wife of 40 years Deborah, his four children, Kurt and his wife Teri; Kris and his wife Dora,; daughter Katrina and, son Josh; and Amelia; eight grandchildren, Barry, Kaegan, Shane, Abi, Elijah, Daisy, Finn and Aubrey; and two great grandchildren, Roisin and Oslo. Norm will be remembered for his love of his family, and his kindness. Anyone who knew him loved this kind, thoughtful and brilliant man.
A celebration of life will be held on Aug. 8, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St., Marblehead, 10:30 a.m.-noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Care Dimensions Kaplan House in Danvers.
