Ralph ´Rj´ J. Norce, Iii

Ralph J. Norce III, 52, of Nescopeck Township, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. Born in Berwick June 12, 1967, he was the son of the late Dr. Ralph J. Norce, Jr. and Carol (Donahue) Norce. RJ was a graduate of Berwick High School, Class of 1985, and Dickinson College, Class of 1989, where he majored in history. He received his teaching degree from Bloomsburg University and his Master's Degree in Education for Administration from Temple University. He had been employed by Berwick Area School District, where he served as a history teacher at the middle school and in numerous administrative roles, including: Berwick High School Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Principal; Middle School Principal; Alternative Learning Program Principal; and, Salem Elementary Principal until his retirement. RJ was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity at Dickinson College, and the Maria Assunta Society, where he served as sergeant-at-arms. He served on the board of Northeast Counseling and had recently been elected to the Berwick Area School Board. His dedication to education shined through in both his personal and professional life. RJ was an avid Penn State, Steelers, 76ers, and Flyers fan and he loved to golf, cook, ski, and play cards. RJ's beloved dog of 13 years, Blue, crossed the rainbow bridge on the same day as RJ's passing. His greatest joy was spending time watching his sons play sports and perform musically, and being with his family and friends, by whom he will be deeply missed. In addition to his mother, RJ is survived by his wife of nearly 24 years, the former Michele Focht. Also surviving are his sons: Ralph J. Norce IV and Nicholas A. Norce; sisters: Stephanie Clark and husband, David, of Mequon, WI and Kerry Norce and wife, Dr. Claudia Casavecchia, of Philadelphia; nieces: Kathryn, Sarah, and nephew, William. RJ would not want us to mourn him, although we do deeply. He would want us to make the most of every day. All are welcome to join RJ's family in celebrating his life for visitation 4:00-8:00 PM Sunday, December 8 at the Kelchner-McMichael Baker Funeral Home, 119-121 East Third Street, Berwick, and from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM Monday, December 9 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 721 Monroe Street, Berwick. His priest, Fr. Matthew R. Larlick, will officiate as Celebrant. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions in RJ's name can be made to the Dr. Ralph Norce, Jr. Memorial Strive Scholarship Fund, which was created upon the death of his father in 1997. It awards a scholarship annually to a student that has overcome much, to use for their continued education, care of The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, 725 West Front Street, Berwick, PA 18603. Online messages of love and support can be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.