Norbert E. Macpherson, a.k.a. “Mookie” to all who knew him, died Thursday at the age of 101 years at his home in Vineland. He is survived by his wife Marion (nee Sculthorpe) and left this earth one week shy of their 70th wedding anniversary.
Mookie was born in New York City in 1915 to the late Wallace and Pauline (Herr) Macpherson. He resided in West Long Branch for over 50 years before moving to Vineland in 2004 to live near his daughter, Sherry.
He graduated from Long Branch High School in 1934 and went on to a career at Fort Monmouth, working as a machinist for 38 years. He loved sports and played on many local baseball teams with his 5 brothers. His loyalties, as a fan, were to the N.Y. Mets and the N.Y. Giants. In 1941, he joined the Branchport Hose Company and remained a volunteer fireman for over 20 years. In later life, he belonged to the Old Guard of West Long Branch. One of his biggest thrills in life was caddying for Babe Ruth in 1935 at the Sun Eagles Golf Course in Eatontown.
Mookie is predeceased by his daughter, Mary Lynn (Lindy) Macpherson and by his 5 brothers Wilmuth, Charles, Wallace, Paul, and John. In addition to his wife, Marion, surviving are his daughter, Sherry Macpherson, son-in-law Art Erickson, grandsons Craig Erickson, Sean Erickson and wife Kristy and great-granddaughter, Emily.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday from 10:30 am until his funeral service at 12 noon at the Fiore Funeral Home, 882 Broadway, West Long Branch. Burial will follow at Woodbine Cemetery Oceanport. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Lighthouse Hospice, Inc. 1040 North Kings Hwy, Suite 100, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.