Norman Jacob Fredkin, of Carlisle, was born July 24, 1928 in North Hollywood, CA. Norman grew up during the depression he was the first-born son of Manuel Fredkin, a poet and a businessman from Bryansk, Russia, and Rose Spiegel, a concert pianist from Odessa, Ukraine – who met after escaping the turmoil of revolution and war. Norman was a talented gymnast in his youth, winning competitions in floor exercise and parallel bars during his high school years.

Eager to fly, Norman landed in the Air Force in 1949 where his 20-year career took off. He became an accomplished jet fighter/command pilot flying 260 combat missions. His career included wartime assignments in Korea and Vietnam, reconnaissance missions over Europe in an RB-57 ("Heart Throb"), F101 voodoo interceptor pilot in Oregon and flight instruction where he shared his knowledge, skills and experience. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross/10LC, Air Medal/7OLC, and a Bronze Star.

Norman was strikingly handsome, sporting dark curly hair and an airman's mustache. In 1951, he met and later married the love of his life, Annie Ginn, of Varnville, S.C. Married for over 69 years, they raised three children, while living in numerous locations in Europe and the USA. After retiring from the Air Force in 1969 as Lt. Colonel, Norman and family moved to Carlisle, MA. Working with his brother he designed and built one of the first music computers, called Muse. In the 70's he started Teaching Devices Inc., a company that built a suitcase computer lab used to teach computer logic at the military service academies.

But Norman missed flying and the aviation community and in the 80's he reengaged with Massachusetts in a big way. He ran Raytheon's Flight Test Facilities where he also flew various aircraft under his management including an A-7 Corsair and corporate jets. He was on the Hanscom Field Advisory Commission; he served as the Chairman of Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission, receiving the MAMA Aviation Man of the Year in 1988, followed by an AOPA Presidential Citation. Norman was active after retiring, as treasurer of the Aero Club of New England, and consultant to the MA Air & Space Museum.

Norman was an aviator at heart but with all the accolades he received, Norman was humble, and family always came first.

Norman passed away peacefully on March 27 with his children beside him. He is survived by sister, Joan Entz, and children; Rachelle Fredkin Cowdrey, Jay Fredkin and his wife Joanne, and Rozanne Fredkin, as well as five grandchildren, Sarah, Jake, Alex, Eric and Harley. Norman is predeceased by his parents; Manuel and Rose Fredkin, his wife Annie Fredkin, his siblings, Hedda Casey, and Edward Fredkin, and his son-in-law, Michael Cowdrey.

Family and friends will gather for visiting hours at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center on Thursday, April 3rd from 5 to 7 pm.  Norman's funeral service will be held in the Dee Funeral Home on Friday, April 4th beginning at 10 am.  Burial with U.S. Air Force military honors will immediately follow at Green Cemetery in Carlisle. Services will conclude with a reception in celebration of Norman's life at Concord's Colonial Inn.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.