Geoffrey Edward Norman
A link to view the livestream funeral service can be found here.
A link to view the livestream INTERMENT ceremony, please click here.
June 2, 1950 – April 26, 2026
Born in 1950 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Geoffrey Edward Norman spent his life organizing for a better tomorrow, always humble and behind the scenes, but with grand dreams of what the world could look like. He believed strongly that his Jewish faith informed his push towards social justice.
During his time as a university student at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, Geoff was elected to the Student Representative Counsel (SRC), where he was instrumental in its move from reactive to active political instrument. He worked staunchly against apartheid, organizing demonstrations, marches, walk-outs, and more. It was during this time that he met the person who would be most influential on his political outlook – and life – Steve Biko. A revolutionary and founder of the South African Black Consciousness Movement, Biko urged Geoff to leave South Africa and advocate against apartheid in a country where others might listen and learn from him. Shortly after graduating with a law degree, he moved to Boston, MA, where, along with Themba Vilakazi and others, he co-founded Fund for a Free South Africa (FreeSA) in 1985, an anti-apartheid coalition and advocacy group.
Geoff earned his JD at the New England School of Law and a Master’s of Urban Planning at Boston University, for which he wrote his thesis on urban planning practices in Harare, Zimbabwe. He became the first Head Counsel of CVS, a role he undertook for a decade before opening a private practice as a commercial real estate attorney. Later, he joined Boston law firm Tarlow, Breed, Hart, and Rogers to lead its real estate department.
Geoff married Dale Norman (née Miller), also from South Africa, in 1984 and they have four children: Rebecca, Ashley, Savannah, and Alexander. Geoff was active in coaching their (many!) sports teams, something that he loved from his own days as an athlete playing rugby, cricket, and soccer. He was also an accomplished long-distance runner, completing both the Boston Marathon and the Comrades Marathon in South Africa. He co-founded the AAU Basketball club, The New England Jaguars, which continues as a successful travel club today.
Geoff was an attentive and loving husband, father, and grandfather to Noah, Theo, and Rosa. He was a wonderful son to his father Arthur, who died in 1995, and his mother Dorothy, who died in 2021. He was a committed, warm son-in-law to Sybil and the late Michael Miller, as well as father-in-law to Rasmus and Todd. He shared both political beliefs and a sense of humor with his brother, Lawrence, of London. In addition to a large and loving family, Geoff was devoted to his lifelong friends, whom he considered family, especially during their regular card games.
He loved a good chat about the weather, Dick Francis novels, the films “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” and “The Parent Trap,” and a raspberry iced tea, if you have one. He could always be counted on to pick you up from the airport.
Geoff’s dual commitments to activism and family life inspired many; he led by example. He excluded no one; he simply brought you into his fold. He is so missed by all who love him.
Funeral services will be held at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, MA on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Or Emet Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury.
Shiva will be held Wednesday following the interment through the evening at North Hill in Needham, basement level. Continuing Thursday, 4:00 – 8:00 pm at the same location. Light lunch and coffee/tea on Wednesday, and Thursday. Minyan services will be led by the Temple community, sundown each day.
Donations can be made in his name to the ACLU, Doctors Without Borders, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation, or the American Heart Association.