The Philadelphia Eagles are saddened to announce that former Pro Bowl defensive end Norm Willey passed away on Thursday night in Newark, DE at the age of 83.
Nicknamed "Wild Man," Willey played in 92 games for the Eagles from 1950 to 1957 and earned All-Pro selections three times (1953-55) and Pro Bowl berths after the 1955 and '56 seasons. According to newspaper accounts, Willey recorded 17 sacks in one game vs. the NY Giants on October 26, 1952. He was a 13th round draft choice of the Eagles from Marshall.
Following his career with the Eagles, Willey went on to teach physical education and driver's education for 30 years at Pennsville High School in Pennsville, NJ, where he also coached tennis and basketball. A native of Pine Grove, WV, Willey served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 2003, Willey was inducted into the Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame as he was a two-sport star in football and basketball.
He is survived by his companion of 40 years, June L. Lange; children Kim Willey, Kyle Willey Gorman and her husband, Albert, and Scott E. Willey. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, Del. The funeral service and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Willey may be made to the Delaware Humane Association, 701 A St., Wilmington, Del. 19801, or to the Pennsville Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 406, Pennsville, N.J. 08070.
