Norbert S. Francis fifty-four year resident of New Canaan, CT passed away on January 30th, 2009 at Norwalk hospital after a brief illness and hospital stay. Norbert was born on February 12th, 1919 in St Thomas, Jamaica. Shortly after being decorated by Eleanor Roosevelt for his contributions to the United States World War II efforts, he immigrated to America. Here he met and married his beloved wife of sixty-one years Evelyn Freeman. After living in New York for a short period of time, they moved to New Canaan with their young son James. Prior to moving to New Canaan, Norbert establishedFrancis Building Company, He was active in Fairfield andWestchester construction circles for over fifty years, and had a distinguished career as a general contractor and custom home builder. Norbert was active in Norwalk’s Men Christian Association, and was a founding member of the New Canaan Building Association, for which he was Treasurer for many years. Norbert is survived by his loving wife Evelyn, older brother Keith, uncle Ben, aunt Cecelia, son James, Daughter in Law Raquel, granddaughters Johanna and Marah, grandson Steffian, great grandson Etienne, nieces Kay and Jackie, nephew Stafford, family in America, Jamaica, Great Britain, and long time friend Fred Ward. Norbert not only saw and participated in the development of New Canaan, as we know it today, but the changes in the social and economic landscapes of America. Throughout his life he sought out and aided those less fortunate than himself and although in America for the greater part of his life actively engaged in the development and enrichment of his homeland Jamaica. In St Thomas, Jamaica where he was brought up and christened almost a century ago, he sponsored a program that prepared and delivered meals to the home bound. He paid for the construction of a handicap walk way at his childhood church, so that wheel chair bound people could attend church, and contributed to the radio ministry that brought the church’s service to people’s homes through radio. Norbert S. Francis is loved, and shall be missed and remembered by family and his many friends. His spirit will live on in the people who’s life he touched and in the eyes and souls of his family and descendents. A memorial service shall be held on May 16th, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan, Ct. In lieu of sending flowers, please give to your favorite charity