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KOBAL Norman E. 1932-2010 Musician

KOBAL Norman E. 1932-2010 Musician

Posted: 26 Nov 2010 8:31PM GMT
Classification: Obituary
Surnames: Lubelshek, Kobal
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio – Norman Kobal died Nov. 20, 2010, at Liberty Health Care.

He was born Nov. 23, 1932, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania,(Cambria County) a son of the late Stanley and Jennie Lubelshek Kobal.

Norman graduated from Girard (Ohio) High School Class of 1950. Following graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base the home of the Strategic Air Command in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was a member of the Offutt Air Force Band where he served for four years. After serving with the Air Force he attended Youngstown State University and graduated with his degree in music education.

After graduating, he taught for five years in the Lakeview School System and then returned to his alma mater at the Girard City Schools where he taught music for 28 years and retired from teaching in 1983. Norm continued to play music professionally.

Norm’s love of music began at a young age when at the age of ten. He joined his father’s band, The Airliners. This love of music continued throughout his entire life. He was widely known for his ability with the clarinet, saxophone and especially the flute.

He played flute with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra for seven years, he directed and played jazz concerts, he performed with the local summer concert series and was a guest performer with the W.D. Packard Concert Band.
He backed many nationally known performers such as Robert Goulet, Wayne Newton and Sergio Franchi at the Stambaugh Auditorium and the Symphony Center.

Norm had a love for Slovenian Style Polka Music and performed with many well known Cleveland, Ohio area bands. He traveled throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. He was highly sought after for recording sessions. He had over 100 recordings with a host of Cleveland Style Orchestras. Norm had many honors and recognitions as a musician over the years.

He was recognized as the POPP man of the year in 1992, Musician of the Year by the National Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame in 1992, as well as, Sideman of the year in 1995 and 1996. One of his own compositions Emily’s Waltz, was recognized as Greatest All Time Cleveland Style Waltz. Norm retired professionally from music in April of 2007 after suffering a stroke.

Norm is survived by his wife, Ann of Richmond Heights; a sister, Sandi of Colorado; daughters, Sherry Nadler and Laurie (Mike) Avey of Girard, Ohio; four grandchildren, Emily Nadler of Seattle, Michael, Megan and Madeline Avey of Girard, Ohio; a stepdaughter, Susan Snider; a stepson, Thomas (Kim) Yuras; four step grandchildren, Cliff Snyder, Tommy, Jake and Logan Yuras; his nephews, Brad, Greg and Garth Kobal; and a niece, Sarah Kobal.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Stanley (Tom) Kobal; and a niece, Suzanne Kobal.

Funeral services will be held at the Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard, Ohio on Tuesday, Nov. 30,2010 at 11 a.m. where friends may call one hour prior to service.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Interment will take place at the Girard City Cemetery.

Visit www.blackstonesfh.com to view this obituary and to send condolences to the Kobal family.

http://www.vindy.com/news/tributes/2010/nov/26/norman-e-koba...
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