Norman W. Cottrell Sr., Former Police Officer, Dies At 87

Courtesy of O'Brien Funeral Home

Norman W. Cottrell, Sr., 87, of Manasquan, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017.

Mr. Cottrell was a lifelong resident of Neptune City before moving to Manasquan five years ago. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he embarked on a career of public service. He worked as a Neptune City Police Officer for several years, then joined the Neptune City Department of Public Works, from which he retired as Superintendent in 1990, after 25 years of service. He was also an exempt fireman and past chief with the Neptune City Fire Department. He was a member of the American Legion Post #178, Farmingdale.

Mr. Cottrell was an avid woodworker, and donated the proceeds from the sale of his birdhouses and toys to the American Legion.

Mr. Cottrell is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Eleanor (nee Hoffman). He is also survived by his children and their spouses, Gloria and Jake Kleinknecht, of Manasquan, and Norman, Jr., and Kirsten Cottrell, of Wall. He was the beloved grandfather of Kaity, Lindsay, and Kevin, and the great-grandfather of five. He is also survived by his sister, Claudia Cottrell, of Fla., nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Alan "Jake" Cottrell.

Visitation will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p. on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at the O'Brien Funeral Home at 2028 Route 35, Wall, with a fire department service at 7:30 p.m. He will be buried with military honors, will take place privately at the N.J. Veterans Cemetery, at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Cottrell's memory may be made to the Neptune City Fire Department, P.O. Box 2002, Neptune City, NJ 07753. Condolences may be sent via www.obrienfuneralhome.com.

Photo: Patch file photo