Norman Vittner, 78, Owned Vittner's Garden Center

An obituary from Holmes-Watkins Funeral Homes:

Norman E. Vittner Sr. 78 of Manchester, beloved husband of 47 years to Bette-Ann (White) Vittner, passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 with his family at his side at St. Francis Hospital Hartford.

Norman was born in Manchester Oct. 15, 1936, son of the late Frank J. and Ruth (Wilson) Vittner and had been a lifelong Manchester resident. He graduated from Manchester High School, Class of 1954, and for 47 years operated and then owned Vittner’s Garden Center in Manchester, where he enjoyed interacting with his customers until retiring in 2001.

Following his retirement, Norm was a park ranger for several years at Wickham Park, where he leaves many close friends including his supervisor Jeff Maron. His hobbies included playing cards in the Army & Navy Setback League, puzzles, gardening, reading and he was also an avid Red Sox fan. He most enjoyed attending his granddaughters’ dance recitals, sporting events and concerts and going for rides with his best “Bud” Normie.

In addition to his loving wife Bette-Ann, he is survived by a son Norman E. Vittner Jr. of Manchester, a daughter Jill Vittner Hartnett and her husband Robert Hartnett of Manchester, two granddaughters Meredith and Nora, a brother-in-law and his wife, David and Mary White of Manchester, a special niece, Susan Woodward of Scarsdale, NY, several nieces and nephews and their families, a close friend Dan Hendrickson of Vernon, and his many coffee friends at Panera. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his two sisters and three brothers.

Services and burial will be private.

Memorial contributions in Norman’s name may be made to Wickham Park, 1329 West Middle Turnpike Manchester, CT 06040 and /or Visiting Nurse and Health Services Inc, 8 Keynote Dr, Vernon, CT 06066. Holmes Funeral Home, Manchester, is in care of arrangements.

To leave a message of condolence please visit te Holmes-Watkins Funeral Homes website.