Obituary of Norman P Volz

Norman P. Volz, 96, of Denville, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 9th, 2023.

A self-described Chicagoan, Norman was born March 7, 1927 in River Forest, Illinois to Norman P. Volz, Sr. and Estelle Elizabeth Volz (nee Keating). In 1928 the family moved to Cicero, Illinois where he spent his formative years growing up. Upon graduation from high school, Norm enlisted in the United States Navy and after “boot camp” was assigned to an amphibious assault ship, the USS William P. Biddle, APA–8, serving in the Pacific arena during World War II.  It was during this time of his life that Norm began perfecting his drawing of caricatures and illustrations.  Upon discharge on July 4, 1941 and using his G.I. Bill, Norm attended the American Academy of Art of Chicago.  Afterwards, he took a course in graphic arts at the University of Chicago that would forever change his career and life.  Both during and after his studies, he lived in the “old town” section of Chicago and did freelance work designing sets, playbills, posters and acting for local theater groups on weekends while working for Vogue-Wright studio (VW) where he stayed for 15 years diligently honing his skills and uncovering additional talents. Leaving VW studios, using his technical prowess, inter-personal skills and enthusiasm, Norm successfully launched a studio in New York City (NYC) for another Chicago based company. It was around this time that Norm moved to the quieter suburbs of New Jersey while yet again, starting another studio in NYC.  It was during this time of his life, when seeking refuge from the hustle bustle of the Big Apple and high stress C-Suite executive meetings, he met his soon-to-be beloved wife, Marie, who became his safe harbor, mainstay and very essence for living out his “golden years.”  
He stayed at this studio commuting back and forth to the city while becoming a vociferous reader of novels for 13 years until 1983 when he decided to venture out on his own.  He opened his own studio in the Gramercy Park section of  the city where he patterned his studio after his persona and attention to meticulous detail.  It stands to reason that Norm who had a wonderful wit and sense of humor would select this section of the city where Mark Twain once lived.

In 1998 he sold the studio and went to work as a consultant for JC Penney where he established a price structure for the commercial photography of all items in their catalogs (except fashion). After he retired in 1985, he founded two co-op art galleries in New Jersey. In the galleries as well as other art shows, Norm won many awards for oils, watercolors and miniature paintings. Unfortunately, his painting days came to an end when he developed macular degeneration in both eyes.  Nevertheless, he loved entertaining family and friends and spending time with his beloved wife, Marie on Denville's Cedar Lake for 35 years.  Towards the end of his life, Norm and Marie moved to an independent living apartment at the “Oaks at Denville” where he enjoyed bringing life and laughter to all his fellow residents and facility staff.

His love of art, illustration, poetry, photography, and humor as well as so many other hobbies including music, was only surpassed by his immense love of family. As one of his sons said, “He was a great guy and always there for us.”
Norman was predeceased by his son Mark, and is survived by Marie S. Volz (nee Savini), his beloved wife; his sister Marjorie Hunter, and sons Randall Volz, Clifford Wells and Gregory Wells.

Visitation will be held at Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Avenue  Denville, New Jersey 07834  www.normandean.com. on Thursday July 13th from 4-pm-8pm.  A funeral service will be held on Friday July 14th at 11:00AM at the funeral home followed by entombment services at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, New Jersey.

Memorial donations can be made to the U.S.O. and/or to any Wounded or Disabled Veterans association by way of www.inmemof.org.