Norman Byrl Bork

Mr. Norman Byrl Bork, 94, formerly of Peoria, IL, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Mount Airy, NC.

Norman was born May 17, 1931, in Peoria, IL, the son of the late Morris L. “Mike” and Rhea Kaskowitz Bork. He attended Bradley University and later served in the United States Coast Guard aboard the USS Humboldt in the North Atlantic, where he conducted weather patrol missions. His ship frequently sailed directly into the eye of hurricanes to track and report storm locations, an experience that likely inspired his nickname, “Stormin Norman.”

In 1952, he returned home to marry the love of his life, Patricia Rossin Bork. They were very happily married for almost 60 years. Shortly after their marriage, Norman joined the family recycling business, I. Bork and Sons, as the third generation to lead the enterprise. He retired in 1979 at the age of 49.

He always pursued many hobbies, navigating in a deliberate way to bring the family together, often on horseback, while being the captain on his many boats, pilot of his multiple airplanes, also as a generous host while enjoying classic cars and so many other related outdoor adventures. His favorite hobby seemed to be collecting friendships along his path. Even in his last days he was up and around greeting new friends in the assisted living facility. Truly, he made friends everywhere he went, on the road, on the water, and in the air.

The family is grateful to so many friends and very special neighbors who treated him like family. They helped him move forward after becoming a widower, losing Patti in 2012. His most recent driving tour of the country with Brina, his daughter, made it possible to visit family members in many states. Family was always so important to him. The long time he spent in North Carolina could not have been possible without the special attention of Betsy, his daughter, and Norman’s community of very good friends.

Norman was a longtime member of the Ivy Club in Peoria, IL, and also a member of the Masons in Peoria, IL.

He is survived by his daughters, Brina Grigg of Rockford, IL, Marsha Bork of Scottsdale, AZ, and Betsy Harris (Todd) of Mount Airy, NC; his son, Michael Bork (Sheryl Cohen) of Peoria, IL; five grandchildren, Marty Grigg (Mallory), Ben Grigg (Emily Bernstein), Rachel Zucosky (Matt), Sarah Harris, and Sam Harris (Paula); two great-grandchildren, Madi and Kennedy; and his beloved niece and nephew, Cheryl Bork Palmer and Brian Bork. Norman also had many treasured cousins, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Bork was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Saul and Gloria Bork; and his sister, Paula Bork.

Norman leaves us with the larger-than-life example of being sure to have some fun every day.

The service will be held Friday, January 2, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria, IL, followed by burial at Peoria Hebrew Cemetery. The service can be viewed via Livestream through Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel Facebook page.

If desired, memorial contributions may be to the Paula Bork Memorial Education Fund in care of the Jewish Federation of Peoria, 2200 West Pioneer Parkway, #10 – B, Peoria, IL 61615; Peoria Hebrew Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, 2200 West Pioneer Parkway, #10 – B, Peoria, IL 61615; Congregation Anshai Emeth, 5614 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61614; Congregation Agudas Achim, 5614 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61614; Temple Beth El, 1203 Comanche Drive, Rockford, IL 61107; Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 151200, San Rafael, CA 94915; or a charity of your choice.

The family is being served by Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy, NC and Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria, IL.