January 1, 1952 to September 6, 2020
“When we rise again with glorious bodies, in the power of the Lord, these bodies will be white and resplendent as the snow, more brilliant than the sun, more transparent than crystal, and each one will have a special mark of honor and glory, according to the support and endurance of torments and sufferings, willingly and freely borne to the honor of God.” Bl. Jan Van Ruysbroeck
Norbert (Bert) went Home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on a Sunday morning, with his family by his bedside.
Norbert leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Wanda, and three sons: Matthew Furness (Marilyn) of Fillmore, Daniel Furness (Chrissy) of Mammoth Lakes, and Andrew Castel de Oro (Sigourney) of Goodfellow AFB, Texas (US Army). He adored his eight grandchildren: Katrionna, Ryan, Summer Grace, Heather, Jenna, Luke, Jackson Pio, and Miriam. They will always remember and love Grandpa. His family meant everything to him.
He always joked that he was “Born in East LA”, like the Springsteen song, to Norbert and Gloria, both deceased.
Norbert entered the US Air Force as a young man of 20, and proudly served for 16 years, eight active duty, eight Air National Guard. During his military service he was assigned to Norton AFB, San Bernardino, CA, Hamilton AFB, Marin County, CA, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, Elgin AFB, Florida, and 2-years at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. He also was called back to active duty for Operation Desert Storm in 1991, serving two tours in Europe/Kuwait. He Honorably Discharged from service when his health no longer allowed him to continue.
Norbert worked for 11 years with the LAPD as a Police Service Rep / 911 Dispatcher at Parker Center, and various police stations including Newton, Wilshire and Hollywood division. He received many commendations during his time there, including an Operation Desert Storm Employee Recognition Ceremony with Mayor Tom Bradley. He was on-hand for the 1984 Olympics serving on a security advisory panel, and during the Los Angeles riots in 1992. He left the LAPD with a medical discharge after developing carpal and cubital tunnel which required several surgeries.
In 2004 he earned a Certificate of Achievement from the Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management Institute, which he utilized working for the City of Santa Barbara for five years before retiring.
He continued to work as a history teacher at Rio Mesa High School, Oxnard, and substitute teacher in the Fillmore Unified School District, where he was known as “Mr. C”. He also worked as an assistant in Fillmore’s Gateway Program for several years.
Norbert earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Cal Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, and completed one year of law school (VC School of Law) before health issues again interfered. He always had a strong interest in religious civil rights and planned to pursue the field with a law degree. He also worked as a Researcher at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, with his work resulting in Richard E. Neustadt’s book “Presidential Power and the Modern Presidents”. The book is dedicated to him.
Thank you for the many cards, letters and flowers expressing love and friendship for Norbert. Several sentiments stood out…
“If you have wondered about how you have made a difference, think about your family. Think about the kids in this community. Think about your many friends.”
“We were blessed to have him. He was a well-liked, respected, and trusted.”
“For me he was as authentic a human being as a friend could be.”
“He was a wonderful friend to me, and I cherished his friendship. I will miss his presence.”
Thank you to Assisted Home Health & Hospice for the five months of care they provided to Norbert, and especially to nurse Sherry for her excellent care and compassion.
Thank you to Diane for her meals, prayers, rosaries, and presence.
Thank you to Fr. Pasquale for visiting Norbert at the hospital and administering Last Rites, and to Fr. Alex for his care and concern.
A special thank you to son Daniel and Chrissy for all you did for him (and me) at the end. He knew.
Norbert is also survived by (Wanda’s family) brother-in-law Larry and wife Cathy, and their daughters Tracy and Jackie, and their spouses, and children; his sister Janice and brothers Gary, James and Stephen and their spouses, and many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.
A service will take place at St. Francis of Assisi, Fillmore in December where Norbert attended daily Mass. Any donations in Norbert’s name can be made to St. Francis of Assisi, Fillmore, or the Gary Sinise Foundation, in support of our returning veterans. He would have liked that.