PRINCETON – Norman R. Harvey, 91, of Princeton, NJ, and Kennebunk, Maine, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024. Born on August 17, 1933, in Rahway, NJ, Norman met the love of his life, Gail Molitor, when she moved across the street. Childhood friends, they began dating after college and married in 1961, sharing a lifelong bond of love and devotion.
Norman graduated from Cornell University in 1955. He was awarded a full scholarship from a generous benefactor for being the salutatorian of his high school class. The education he received at Cornell was life-changing, and he remained a proud alumnus throughout his life. He made lifelong friends as a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
Norman’s distinguished career began on Wall Street as an oil analyst at Bankers Trust. He went on to serve as Director of Research at Auerbach Pollak and Richardson and transitioned to portfolio management at E.W Axe & Co. In 1982, Norman’s close friend Arthur Zeikel invited him to build and lead the Equity Fund Department at Merrill Lynch Asset Management (MLAM). Known as “Norm” to his team, he steered MLAM’s growth from a tiny seed into a significant asset manager. He built the department fund by fund and person by person, hiring and mentoring a team of portfolio managers who excelled under his leadership. By the time he retired in 1999, MLAM’s Equity Funds had grown into a globally respected division, shaping the financial futures of countless investors and leaving a big impact.
After retiring, Norman found time to pursue his passions. A lifelong learner with a strong commitment to his conservative values, he took political science classes at Princeton University, becoming good friends with many of his professors and enjoying spirited debates. His love for meaningful conversation and intellectual exchange was evident in his many cherished friendships from Princeton to Maine to Florida, where he was an active member of the Nassau Club, the Eagle Rock Yacht Club, the Edgecomb Tennis Club, and the Marching and Chowder Society. His sharp wit, humor, and warm smile left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
To his five grandchildren – Molly, Lizzie, Katie, Patrick, and Teddy – Norman was “PopPop,” a role he cherished above all else. He shared his wisdom, emphasized the importance of education, and celebrated their accomplishments with pride. He is also survived by his daughter Anne Riddle, who will forever cherish his unwavering love and wise guidance as an extraordinary father. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Gail, his brother Jack, and his son-in-law Brian.
Norman R. Harvey will be remembered for his impactful career, sharp intellect, and the deep love he shared with those around him. His legacy of mentorship, kindness, and wisdom will forever remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Services will be private. Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank, NJ has been entrusted with the arrangements.
