Norbert Stainbrook died peacefully in his sleep on November 30, 2025, at the age of 100 in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by his family. He was proceeded in death by the love of his life and wife of 75 years, Marie. He resided at The Wellington, an assisted living community, close to his daughter Noreen Mullen.
Norbert was born in Meadville PA, to Pauline and Elery Stainbrook on February 27, 1925. His childhood was spent in Crawford County with both sides of his grandparents, at the Yoset Farm, as well as the Stainbrook home in Meadville. In 1941 Norbert and a friend Vincent Schliff, hitch hiked across the United States, from Meadville, PA to Long Beach, CA. In 1943, his mother Pauline accepted Norbert’s high school diploma, due to his early enlistment into the Navy, during World War II. In the Navy, Norbert served as an Aviation Radioman crew member on B-24’s. The plane flew long range, low altitude, submarine patrol and convoy escorts. After his discharge, Christmas Day 1945, Norbert returned to Meadville in a red caboose on the Erie Lackawanna. He attended college on the GI Bill. On Flag Day, June 14, 1947, Norbert married Marie Feehan at St. Brigid’s church in Meadville. Norbert graduated from George Washington University in Washington D.C., with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Employment engagements included Talon Inc., Westinghouse Electric Co., Boeing Airplane Co., Air Products & Chemicals, and in 1966 he joined the staff of Sunbeam Equipment Corporation at Meadville, PA. He retired from SecoWarwick in 1985. In 1987, he received a U.S. Patent and the following year a Canadian patent, for a small-scale vacuum heat treat furnace.
Norbert enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially at the still active Lower Sheriff Lodge Hunting Camp in Forest County, PA. A camp built, utilized and enjoyed since 1955 by Norbert, Bernie Williams, Lew Brown, Bill Sherry, Bill Hall, Don Redmond, Judd Smith and Chuck Lawrence Sr. Norbert also looked forward to visiting and fly fishing with his son in Petersburg, AK.
He was a life member of the VFW, the American Society of Metals, St. Brigid’s Parish of Meadville and St. Vincent DePaul of Salt Lake City, UT. Norbert and his wife were square dancers for many years. They also attended and enjoyed many Elderhostel Programs around the US. Norbert was a wonderful man, with a deep love for his family and he will be dearly missed.
Norbert is survived by his daughter Noreen and her husband Joel P. Mullen of Salt Lake City, son Michael Stainbrook and his companion Karin McCullgh of Petersburg AK., granddaughter Sarah Mullen and her husband Christian Van Wagoner of Salt Lake City, grandson Lucas Mullen and his wife Hillary of Petersburg AK., as well as six great grandchildren: Ruby Mae, Hazel Gracemarie, Lawson, Thayer, Kade and Amalia.
Norbert is also survived by two nieces and their families: Linda Williams and husband Bill Ericsson and their daughter Kate and husband Chris Mauro, of Philadelphia, Candace Williams and companion Mitchell Goeman of Gunnison CO., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Norbert was proceeded in death by his wife of 75 years, Marie, his parents Pauline and Elery Stainbrook, three sisters: Jean Zimmerman, Shirley Williams, and Maxine Chaney, a niece, Diane McDonald and three nephews: Mark Feehan, Greg Zimmerman and David Williams.
Thank you to Dr. Rahimi and staff of St. Mark’s Senior Center, the communities of Highland Cove and The Wellington Senior Living, Beyond Care, Right at Home and Ability Hospice.
Viewing at Starks Funeral Home, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 4:00-6:00 pm. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building.
Funeral Mass at St Vincent DePaul church, 1375 Spring Ln, Holiday, UT, Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 11:00 am.
Interment at St. Brigid’s cemetery in Meadville, at a later date.
