Public Employee Press

DC 37 mourns passing of Retiree Association leader Norman O. Davis

Norman O. Davis, who found a second career and a second family at DC 37, died July 8 at his home in the South Bronx. A DC 37 member for 55 years, Davis served as a shop steward in Laborers Local 924 and vice president of Parks Supervisors Local 1508 and the DC 37 Retirees Association.

One week before his death, Davis participated in the AFSCME Convention in Boston. A characteristically snappy dresser, ­Davis always wore a tie and a wide, warm smile.

Born in 1925, Davis grew up in Harlem, dropped out of school and worked other jobs before joining the Parks Dept. At his mother's urging, he returned to high school, taking evening classes. In 1975, Davis became one of the first graduates of the DC 37 Campus of the College of New Rochelle. He went on to help establish the master's degree program in Public Administration at Long Island University and get his own master's at 64.

As a trainer and educator for the Parks Dept., Davis was a mentor and inspiration for many. "He taught us to do the job and to respect it," said Local 983 President Mark Rosenthal.

DC 37 Rep Russell Johnson said it was a privilege to know Davis for 25 years: "He embraced us as we came into the department. Because of him, many of us were able to rise."

"He was charismatic and he had a plethora of words - plethora, that's Norman's word," said Retirees Association Secretary Etta Dixon, Davis's dancing partner at many celebrations.

Retirees President Stuart Leibowitz called Davis "a celebration of life. More than anything, he was a good person. He touched everybody."

An honor guard of uniformed Parks Dept. officers marched at Davis's funeral. His daughter Antoinette preceded him in death. He is survived by grandson Didier Carlos Van Sellner, godsons Leon and Kenny, and many members of his extended family.