With deepest regrets, we lost Compatriot Norman Bissell on March 7th, 2025.
Norman Eugene Bissell – Dec 4, 1929 – March 7, 2025
Norman had been a member of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution since 2017. Norman’s son James is also an active member of our chapter.
He was 95 years old, a veteran of the US Army Air Corps, and a Professor Emeritus in Education at the University of Cincinnati.
Our chapter president Scott Freeman was able to attend the reception and met his son, James Bissell, an active member of the chapter I had not met before. Scott spoke to him and other family members at length. I gave him a sympathy card from the chapter. The family was extremely appreciative of the SAR being represented there.
For convenience, the complete text from the funeral home obituary is below:
Norman Eugene Bissell
Age 95, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Norman passed away peacefully at his home in Twin Towers on Friday, March 7th.
Norman was born on December 4, 1929, in Story City, Iowa, to James Addison Bissell and Ethel Adella (Nickels) Bissell. He was the beloved husband of Rosa Beatrice (Lamansky), the love of his life, marrying her on August 10, 1957. Together, they built a loving family, raising four children: Jean Bissell, James Bissell (Tina), Katherine Bender (Ed), and Charles Bissell (who preceded him in death). Grandchildren include Corrina Renshaw (Brian), Adeline Hall (Todd), Alexander Privett (fiancée Jordan Shook), and Samuel Privett (fiancée Sarah Wright). Great-grandchildren include Olivia Renshaw, Carly Hall, Todd Hall Jr., and future great-granddaughter Marcella Shook.
A dedicated educator, Norman was a long-time Professor of Special Education at the University of Cincinnati, where he took great pride in supporting families of children with special needs. He and Rosa, both originally from Iowa-Norman from Des Moines and Rosa from East Pleasant Plain-began their careers as teachers in Iowa. They met on a blind date, which led to a lifetime of love and partnership. Norman earned his Masters in Speech Pathology from the University of Iowa at Iowa City in 1959, and his Doctorate from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa in 1968, with Rosa’s unwavering support as they raised their children.
Their journey took them to Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Tuscaloosa, Alabama; then to Cincinnati, Ohio when Norman accepted a position as a professor at the University of Cincinnati. Beyond his professional achievements, Norman and Rosa enjoyed collecting antiques and staying connected with family and friends. A devoted fan of the University of Cincinnati Bearcats football team, he held season tickets for over thirty years. After retirement, he developed a passion for genealogy and was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Norman’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and love for education will be cherished by all who knew him. His family and friends will forever hold his memory close.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 18th at 11:00 (10:30 visitation) at the Wilson Chapel at Twin Towers, 5343 Hamilton Ave, followed by a reception, also at Twin Towers. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all the caregivers and staff at Twin Towers who provided support and friendship.
Flowers may be sent to Wilson Chapel, Twin Towers, 5343 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH (45224). Memorial contributions may be given to the Great Parks of Hamilton County.
“I said some words to the close and holy darkness, and then I slept.”
Dylan Thomas, A Child’s Christmas in Wales
Our chapter extends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends.
In peace may you be.
