Norman Dennis Schussler

Norman D. Schussler of Columbia died Thursday, aged 93. Born in Chase City, Virginia, he was raised in Richmond, Virginia and the Bronx. After serving with the Thirteenth Air Force in the Solomon Islands and the Philippines during World War II, he was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Major. That same year he met his future wife Caroline at a Passover seder. He moved to Fox Hill Farm in Columbia in 1951 where he farmed, and later taught woodworking at Manchester High School. He also served on the Columbia Charter Revision Commission and on the Columbia Wetlands Commission for many years. After studying pewtersmithing with Frances Felton and enamelling with Margaret Seeler, he collaborated with them on the Norwich Cross at the Church of the Redeemer, Norwich, Connecticut. He loved the land and he loved walking the farm he carefully preserved. He was devoted to his wife and children. He is survived by Caroline, his wife of sixty-five years, children Susan and Michael of New York City, and sister Ellen Drori of San Francisco. Arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send contributions to the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 26, Columbia, CT. 06237. For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .