Boy Scouts to honor Norkus for dedication to community

By CHRISTINE BARCIA
Staff Writer

The values Gerry Norkus learned as a Boy Scout still ring true with him today.

He said “be prepared” are the simple words he learned as a Boy Scout and lives by to this day.

“They resonate with me on a daily basis,” said Norkus, who is a Freehold native.

Norkus, 67, started in the Cub Scouts and went on to become a Boy Scout, Eagle Scout and Explorer Scout. He said the outdoor camping experiences associated with scouting provided worthwhile lessons.

“I learned outdoor skills that I have used all my life,” he said.

“Do a good turn daily” are the other words that guide Norkus. This focus on daily acts of kindness had its roots in his family.

“My father started the tradition of giving to the community. I looked up to that,” Norkus said.

He passed that tradition on to his two sons, who were scouts in Millstone Township. His brother is also an Eagle Scout.

In recognition of his commitment to the community, Norkus will be honored as the 2015 Good Scout Honoree at the 15th annual Western Monmouth Good Scout reception to be held on June 25 at the American Hotel, Freehold.

Anthony Ammiano and Robert McGirr served as chairmen on the committee that selected Norkus for the honor.

Ammiano, the CFO-treasurer of the Del- Sano Contracting Corp., Union, said Norkus is “well-deserving” of the honor.

“He is generous through a number of organizations,” said Ammiano, who has served on the Township Committee in Freehold since 2001.

“He is the perfect honoree,” said McGirr, the owner-manager of Clayton and McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. “He is a great asset to the community and gives his time and effort to many charities in Freehold.”

Norkus currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the Jersey Coast chapter of the American Red Cross. He is serving as president of the Collier Services Foundation, Marlboro.

In the spring of 2014, he rejoined the board of trustees of CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Norkus is a past chairman of the board of trustees of CentraState Medical Center and a past president of the CentraState Medical Center Foundation board.

He is a former chairman of the YMCA of Western Monmouth County, Freehold Township. He also served as president of the Millstone Jaycees, Freehold Rotary Club, Millstone Fire Company and the Colts Neck Fire Company.

Norkus’ involvement with different programs and organizations made him the choice for the 2015 honor, according to Kathleen Picciano, senior district executive, Monmouth Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

“These individuals have been in the community, supporting the community and show outstanding character,” Picciano said.

Honorees “exemplify the scouting mission and serve as role models for our scouts,” she said.

Norkus attended St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold, where he earned the Eagle Scout rank through Troop 18. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, and LaSalle University, Philadelphia.

Norkus was the owner-operator of Norkus Enterprises until 2014, when most of the business was sold to Stop & Shop , according to a press release from the Monmouth Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Norkus and his wife, Lorraine, live in Sea Girt and have two sons, Stephen and Mark, and four grandchildren, Riley, Jack, Luke and Mia Victoria.