Norman C. Herro

Madison .   Norman C. Herro, loving life and the practice of law to the last, died April 9, 2009 at the age of 90.   Born in Milwaukee on November 3, 19 18 to Lebanese immigrants Charles and Sophia Herro, Norm excelled as a student and attended the University of Chicago on scholarship.   Foreseeing America 's entry into World War II, he quit his job in the summer of 1941 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps, becoming the navigator on a C-47 transport.   During his four years of service, Norm spent two years in Egypt and North Africa before dropping Pathfinders into Normandy on the eve of D-Day. When Norm enlisted, he had never been further from home than Chicago , but he soon developed a passion for travel, particularly in the Middle East and Mexico .   Norm was so knowledgeable about Egypt that his commanding officers in Europe asked him to take them on tours and buying trips to Cairo . Norm returned to Wisconsin in 1945, met, fell in love with and married Mary Stuart Smith.   He started an accounting business to support his family while he made his way through UW Law School.   That business grew to become Madison Bookkeeping and Tax Service.   Upon graduation in 1949 Norm formed the Herro and Buehner law firm, one of the predecessors of today's DeWitt Ross & Stevens.   He practiced law there until 1973 when he was asked to join United Banks of Wisconsin, soon becoming General Counsel.   After 14 years in banking, he retired to take care of Mary Stuart until her death in 1988.   Norm then returned to his former law firm and continued practicing there until his death. Norm always had an eye for real estate, often advising family members, ""They aren't making any more land.""   While he was particularly adept at acquiring land with waterfront and wetland amenities, his biggest success was the development of the Glendale area on Madison 's Far East Side. Always the gentleman, Norm made friends all over the world and right here at home.   His easy sense of humor, generosity, loyalty and strong character endeared him to all.   Norm was an avid golfer (and an even better coach).   His enthusiasm for winning at Gin Rummy has left many warm memories. Norm is survived by his sons, Stuart (Susanna) and Mark, sister Mae Tombazian, loving friend, Gloria Turgeson, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.   Norm was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Phil Herro, Josephine Herro, Suzanne Herro, Charlotte Koshick and Wadih Geha. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2131 Rowley Avenue , Madison , at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 17, 2009 with Father Pat Norris officiating and Father Bill Nolan concelebrating.   Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road , Madison , and on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.   Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery .   Edgewood has long been close to Norm's heart and in his later years, Norm enthusiastically participated in St. Mary's cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs.   In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Edgewood Campus School, 829 Edgewood College Drive, Madison, WI, 53711, to Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart, 2219 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711, or to St. Mary's Foundation (St. Mary's Hospital, Madison), 700 South Park St., Madison, WI 53715.