TOPSFIELD - Mr. Norm Isler was a manager for General Electric Company's Aircraft Engine Group, retiring in 1991. He graduated from Clarkson University with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and then received a Master's Degree in Engineering Management from Northeastern University's Graduate School of Engineering. Following graduation from Clarkson and a short stint with Reaction Motors, a rocket engine manufacturer, he spent 17 months in the Korean War, first as an Army Engineer Platoon Leader and later as an Army Engineer Construction Company Commander working on roads, bridges, a helicopter landing area, and prison compounds. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his work.

In June 1953, following his military service, Norm joined GE where he worked for 38 years holding a series of engineering, manufacturing, and program management positions in both the Rail Transportation and Aircraft Engine fields. During his GE career, he was awarded three managerial awards and four Elfun Community Service awards.

Norm was a lifetime member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and, from 1998 to 2002, served as their State Government Coordinator for Massachusetts. He was past President of the Lynn Boston GE Old Timers organization.

Norm was President of the Topsfield Historical Society for 33 years, Trustee of the Topsfield Trust and also the Kimball Scholarship Program. In 1994, he was awarded Topsfield's Wallace Kneeland Community Service Award. In addition, he was Commissioner of the Essex National Heritage Area and was named Community Leader of the Year for 2009 by the Rotary Club of Topsfield, Boxford, and Middleton. He served on the Town's Historical Commission, School Building Committee, Town Hall Building Committee, and as Keeper of the Town Clock.

In his spare time, Norm enjoyed skiing, boating, woodworking, traveling, serving his community, and spending time with family and friends.

He and his wife, Peggy, raised four children - David, Barbara, Ann, and Beth. They have nine grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Norm's funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St. (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Friday, May 16th at 11 A.M. Burial at Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield. Visiting hours at the funeral home on Thursday, May 15th from 4 to 7 PM. Expressions of sympathy, please consider a donation in Norm's name to the American Legion at 8 W. Common Street, Topsfield, MA 01983 or the Topsfield Historical Society at PO Box 323, Topsfield, MA. 01983. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

American Legion
8 W. Common Street, Topsfield MA 01983

Topsfield Historical Society
P.O. Box 323, Topsfield MA 01983