Obituary: Norman Christopher Cerrillo (Santa Norm)

September 4, 2024

Norman Christopher Cerrillo (Santa Norm) died Sept. 4, 2024.

He is survived by his wife Katherine Cerrillo (Frediani); by his children: Michael (Tammy), Shellee Lapp, Amanda (Bobby) Allison, Kahla and Kaitlin; by his grandchildren: Andrew, Brianna, Brianna (Kelsey), Miranda Oursler, Cassandra (Kaila) Oursler-Berardelli, Mackenzie and Kyrah Allison; and by his great-grandchildren: April, Addison and Hayes. Norm is also preceded and survived by many siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is a Vietnam veteran serving in the Army from 1963-69.

Norman worked at Union Carbide as a welder and fabricator until the doors closed in the late ’80s. He was the train conductor at Fantasy Island and worked maintenance at Beaver Island State Park.

But his most memorial and important roll was wearing the iconic big red suit at Kelly’s Country Store on Grand Island. Norman loved his neighborhood and Grand Island as a whole. He made sure you slowed down for the kids at play. He always was willing to lend a helping hand to the neighbors, as he had every tool and scrap piece of wood needed. He enjoyed making birdhouses and sharing them with neighbors.

But if you knew Norm, you knew how much he loved his motorcycles. He had a vintage 1985 Honda Goldwing and recently got a 2024 custom Honda Goldwing trike, which thankfully he was able to ride three times.

A memorial service has already been held. In lieu of flowers, you can plant a tree in Norm’s memory.