Obituary of Leo Verne Norrup

Zoom information for the service is shown at the end of the obituary. Leo Verne Norrup, 86, passed away on January 23, 2022 at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, New Jersey. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbie, to whom he was married for 63 years. He is also survived by his daughter, Christina, son-in-law, Anthony, cherished granddaughter, Giacinta Rose, and adoring Maltese puppies, Maggie and Rosie, all of whom mourn his loss deeply but celebrate his return to a vibrant life with our Lord. Leo was born in Compton, California, on December 28, 1935. He graduated with top honors from Long Beach State and University of Southern California, and immediately began a career in aerospace engineering. He met his soulmate, Barbie, during Easter vacation, at Huntington Beach. They married in 1958 and after 15 years, they adopted Christina Marie when she was 5 weeks old. Barbie and Christina were the absolute center of Leo’s heart and the passion of his life. However, before his family life took flight, Leo served in the United States Army, as a Sergeant and code breaker during the Korean War, from 1953- 1956. He was the ultimate patriot and loved his country through all the decades~ born in The Great Depression, he grew up through WWII, fought in the Korean War, worked closely under Ronald Reagan’s direct orders during the Cold War, and supported all things red, white, and blue. As an aerospace engineer, he was greatly admired by his colleagues as “a creative force to be reckoned with.” He loved to build things from the ground up, however, most of the time at work, he was “the fixer” and problem solver, just as he was for his family and friends. Leo always knew what to do and found great satisfaction in helping anyone and everyone who sought out his brilliant advice. Leo would say that his greatest accomplishment was nurturing his daughter’s career in the ballet world and on Broadway. When he wasn’t building airplanes at work, he was driving her back and forth to dance lessons or traveling the world to see her perform. Leo was her most dedicated and avid fan, and anyone who knew him got an earful about Christina, whether or not they asked for it. :-) In his golden years, Leo’s passions turned to culinary creations and fine wines. He loved taking road trips with son-in-law, Anthony, to specialty markets and wineries, enjoying the scenery, and listening to jazz, especially at his favorite New York City haunt, The Village Vanguard. As a young boy, Leo tap-danced, and throughout his magnificent life, his appreciation for the arts only grew stronger. Anyone who knew Leo, recognized his extraordinary love for animals. His devotion to his own beloved pups was evident, but his heart was for all creatures, great and small. If anyone wishes to make a donation in his honor, please copy this link to access the Monmouth County SPCA: https://www.classy.org/give/338360/#!/donation/checkout A very special ‘thank you’ to all of Leo’s treasured family, friends, and prayer warriors, who lifted him up daily. Your prayers surrounded him in love and light and we are forever grateful for your generous support. Leo was a fighter and wanted many more years with his family and friends. Although he was taken too soon, Barbie, Christina, and Anthony were able to say goodbye to their precious Leo before he passed and celebrated him home with love, prayers, and song. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Friday, January 28th, at Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold. From 6-7PM there will be a viewing, and from 7-8 PM, there will be music and Words of Reflection to celebrate his phenomenal life and legacy. Leo loved to laugh and lived life fully, so if anyone wishes to share a memory, please email cperrino@oceanschools.org. After the service, Leo’s ashes will be scattered in Huntington Beach, California; Barnegat Lighthouse, New Jersey; and throughout the vineyards of Tuscany, Italy…all places dear to his heart. Christina is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Leo V. Norrup's Celebration of Life Time: Jan 28, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81650933809?pwd=em82bzM2ZFNqTlJRWVNqYUIwcmhGZz09 Meeting ID: 816 5093 3809 Passcode: 927396