Norman C. Alexander was born on July 21, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, to Norman Alexander Sr. and Eursline Clark. He was predeceased by his fraternal twin sister, Naomi Tate, and his brother, Michael Alexander. Norman graduated from East New York Vocational High School and completed two years at New York City Community College in Brooklyn before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country from June 18, 1969, through July 27, 1971. Before entering the military, Norman met Bonita Hall. They married on January 14, 1967, and became proud parents to their daughters, Dawn Alexander and Kerry Alexander. They later divorced in 1975.
During the Vietnam War, Norman served in Vietnam as a Corporal. In 1970, he received education and training in water survival, NCO leadership, and absence and desertion procedures. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with one star and earned sharpshooter and marksmanship badges in combat. After his military service, Norman moved to Stamford, Connecticut, in the 1970s and worked for several years as a counselor with Family and Children’s Services, providing individual and family counseling to urban renewal residents facing personal and social adjustment challenges. This work, however, was only a steppingstone toward the career he hoped to pursue.
In 1977, Norman applied to become a police officer with the Stamford Police Department and passed all required exams. On November 14, 1977, he was appointed as a regular member of the department, where he served as an officer until the late 1980s. During his tenure, he was an active member of the S.W.A.T. and S.C.U.B.A. teams and earned certifications as an Advanced Open Water Diver and Search and Rescue Diver. He was also certified in Selective Traffic Law Enforcement.
After leaving law enforcement, Norman worked in security in Bridgeport, Connecticut, for several years. Following the death of his longtime partner, Mary Williams, he struggled with drug and alcohol addiction and moved to Long Branch, New Jersey, where his family lived, to seek support. While in Long Branch, he held various jobs, including serving as a Security Supervisor at the Hilton in Long Branch. Although addiction affected his life for many years, he then eventually went into detox and rehabilitation. Since then, he had been in recovery for 15 years, a milestone he proudly credited to the support of his A.A. support group, family and friends.
Norman was outgoing and enjoyed helping others throughout his life. Known affectionately as the “Candyman,” he shared candy wherever he went. He was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church, where he volunteered in the pantry and helped with other duties. He also volunteered at the Long Branch library, where he enjoyed borrowing audio mystery books, and built friendships at Meadowbrook Senior Housing in Eatontown, where he lived. For more than 10 years, Norman was certified by the Community Emergency Response Team in Eatontown, New Jersey, to respond during crises. He enjoyed watching SYFY movies and television shows, especially Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Norman loved luxury cars and in the early 1980s he purchased a 1960 Jaguar, which is his favorite car. He enjoyed plants, tropical fish, and roller coasters. On his last trip to Florida with his daughters last year, he visited Epic Universe and Hollywood Studios, where he rode Tower of Terror and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Norman will be deeply missed. He is survived by his sister, Cheryl Alexander, his daughters, Dawn Alexander and Kerry Alexander-Strother; his son-in-law, Scott Strother; his grandchildren, Dellon Alexander, Kiara Alexander, and Javan Roberts; his nephews, Wesley Alexander and Christopher Alexander; his niece-in-law, Lana Alexander; his niece, Bria Alexander-Peace; his nephew-in-law, Jordan Peace; his sister-in-law, Jinny Alexander; his cousin, Audrey McConney; and a host of other family members and friends.
