Obituary for
Norman Nissen
Nassau-Norman Nissen, 57, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, June 15, 2016. Norman was born in Cobleskill, NY on October 7, 1958 to a dairy farming family and he grew up with a love of the farming life. He graduated from Cobleskill High School and earned degrees from SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Plattsburgh, where he graduated with a bachelor’s in geography. Upon graduation, he returned to his family farm. He spent many years as a member of the Cobleskill Town Planning Board, including time as chairman. For the last 19 years he worked at the Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, where he was known as a loyal and stellar bookseller.
Norman was a warm, intelligent, caring man with an infectious laugh, and he touched many with his compassion and humor. He loved books, music and the outdoors and was enthusiastic about life and learning. Most of all, he was deeply devoted to his family and was a best friend to his wife and children.
Norman is survived by his wife of 25 years, Janice Nissen; his children, Samuel and Abigail Nissen; his mother Amy Nissen; and his brother Steven Nissen of Binghamton. He was predeceased by his father Arne Nissen.
Calling hours will be held from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home 1700 Washington Avenue Rensselaer. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 11:00 am. A celebration of life for Norman will be held at the Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza from 6-8 pm on June 23, 2016. All are invited to come and share memories and stories of him.
In lieu of flowers, Norman’s family ask that donations be made to Homeward Bound Dog Rescue of New York, Ltd. PO Box 5782 Albany, NY 12205 or to The Conservation Fund 1655 North Fort Myer Drive Suite 1300 Arlington, VT 22209 (online to community.conservationfund.org/donations.
