Norbert J. Firsching, Jr. passed away on October 16, 2007 at age 87. Norbert was born on October 3, 1920 in Utica, the son of Norbert J. and Julia (Kaelin) Firsching Sr. In 1951, he married Rita Zobel in St. Joseph's Church. They were blessed with three daughters, Linda Susan, Krista Claire, and Tama Marie. Norbert was employed for forty- four years at Utica Mutual Insurance Company retiring in 1985.He was a parishioner of St. Joseph's-St. Patrick's Church and the Church Historian for thirteen years retiring in 2004. Both Norbert and Rita served for many years in the affairs of the church. He was a longstanding member of the Knights of Columbus, the Utica Maennerchor and the Society of Parish Historians of the Diocese of Syracuse for many years. Norbert's daughter Linda Susan predeceased him in September of 2002. He is survived by his wife; Rita, his daughter Krista, her husband Lewis Hinman and their daughter Lindsay of Hebron, CT, and their son Tyler of Chicago, IL, his daughter; Tama and her husband William Gnerre of Watertown, MA, his brother; Henry and his wife Shirley of Edwardsville, IL, his sister; Winifred, and her husband William Buehler of Clinton, NY, his sister; Rose Mary Firsching of Dugspur, VA, his sister-in-law; Alma Noga of Utica, his sister-in-law; Irene Keane and her husband Peter of Colorado Springs, CO and many nieces and nephews. Norbert was predeceased by his sister Esther and her husband John Dyman. Mr. Firsching's funeral will be held on Saturday October 20, 2007 at 9:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 10:00 from St. Joseph's ? St. Patrick's Church, Utica. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Friday from 4-7. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph ? St. Patrick Church or the Humane Society. The family extends thanks to the staff at the Masonic Care Community in the Troy and Monroe Units for their kindness to Norbert.