Norman Gardner Luther, 93, formerly of Schenectady, NY, beloved husband for 63 years to the late Marion Ruth (Furman) Luther, passed away peacefully in Manchester, CT on Friday, December 14, 2012. Born on May 23, 1919, he was the only surviving son of the late Grace (Gardner) and Frederick Luther. Due to the untimely death of his father, Norman was the sole support of his mother and two surviving older sisters while he was in high school. It is believed he is the sole surviving graduate of the Class of 1937 of Mont Pleasant High School, Schenectady. Norman was a 1942 graduate of the General Electric Company Apprentice Program, which at the time was equivalent to a college education. He worked on the first prop jet engine developed by the General Electric Company. During WWII, Norman was drafted four times, and four times he was sent home to continue the top secret clearance work he did at the GE for the war effort. He was later employed as a manufacturing engineer and manager of quality control by several NY companies. In addition to his vocation, Norman found the time to follow his avocation. Unable to find a satisfactory ice cream product, he embarked on making his own. Founded in 1954, Norman and Marion owned and operated Luther's Ice Cream Parlor for over 40 years. In his younger days, Norman was active in the Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Scout Leader and Scout Leader. He was a Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, Christopher Yates Lodge #1174 for over 65 years. He served as an officer on various PTAs. Norman was elected to the Schenectady City Council and served from 1968 through 1972. Throughout these years he was an active member of the Consistory of the Mont Pleasant Reformed Church, Schenectady, member and President of the Thundervolts (radio-control airplane club); and active member of the Consistory of the Niskayuna Reformed Church, Schenectady and in various other leadership capacities. He was honored in 2007 by the General Assembly of the State of New York for his lifetime of service to the community. In 2007, Norman and Marion moved to Connecticut to be closer to family. Norman continued his service to others as President of the Tobacco Valley Flyers Remote Control Club from 2008 through 2011. He was an amazing man: husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, mentor and leader. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Ward Ponticelli of Manchester, with whom he made his home, his adored grandchildren, Peter and Corey Ponticelli of Coventry, CT, Alexandra and fiancé Jason Marsh of Manchester, CT and Eric and Jessica Ponticelli of Vernon, CT; his great-grandchildren to whom he will always be "Pop-Pop", Owen and Ian Ponticelli of Coventry, CT and Logan Ponticelli of Vernon, CT; nieces, a nephew, a grandniece and nephews and great-grandnieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Marion, Norman was predeceased by his son David in 1966; and his sisters Marion and Dorothy. Friends and family may pay their respects on Monday, December 17, 2012 at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Niskayuna Reformed Church, Building Fund, 3041 Troy Schenectady Road, Schenectady, NY 12309 A celebration of Norman's life will be held in NY at a later date. Condolences may be sent in care of Mr. and Mrs. Ward Ponticelli, 52 Vernon Street, Manchester, CT 06042. For directions and online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.