56 | APRIL 28 • 2022 

OBITUARIES
OF BLESSED MEMORY

A

s a 9-year-old sitting at his 
mother’s Underwood typewriter, 
Norman Philip Prady knew he 
was destined to become a writer. While 
building a successful and multi-faceted 
writing career, Norman also became a 
devoted father, a doting grandfather, a 
generous mentor and a talented artist. 
Norman Prady died on April 8, 2022, 
watching his beloved Tigers win their 
Opening Day game against the Chicago 
White Sox. He was 88.
The son of Calvin and Mildred Prady, 
Norman was born in Detroit in 1933. 
He shared a close relationship with 
his two older sisters, Audrey and (the 
late) Barbara, that continued through-
out their lives. After graduating from 
Central High School, he studied English 
at Wayne State University. Later, he 
served on the board of directors of the 
American Red Cross.
His first stop on the way to achieving 
his childhood dream was the (now- 
defunct) Detroit Times, where he quickly 
advanced from copy boy to reporter. 
The bustling newsroom was Norman’s 
idea of paradise, and his most treasured 
memories included covering fires, car 
crashes and escaped zoo animals before 
rushing to the nearest pay phone to dic-
tate his story. 
When the paper folded in 1960, 
Norman began a career in advertising, 
where he developed award-winning 
campaigns and served as creative 
director at major ad agencies such as 
Campbell-Ewald and BBDO.
While his accomplishments in that 
field were impressive, he remained a 
newsman at heart. 
“It was his identity for the rest of his 
days,” wrote his son Bill in a eulogy 
delivered at the funeral. “His advertising 
copy floated above the ordinary because 
the newspaperman in him turned a 
sales pitch into a story.”
Despite his many successes, his 

greatest source of pride and joy was his 
family. He and his former wife, Susan, 
had two children, Bill and Anne, 
whom he showered with unconditional 
love and encouraged to follow their 
dreams. 
Bill has fond memories of attending 
Tigers games with his father, includ-
ing trips to Lakeland, Florida, during 
spring training. He was a favorite 
among his children’s friends. While 
Norman “kvelled” over his kids’ 
accomplishments, he loved them for 
who they were instead of what they 
achieved. 
Norman’s light shone most brightly 
around his grandchildren. He was a 
doting “Papa” who loved spending 
time with his grandchildren. 
“Dad was always ready and willing 
to help with the kids at a moment’s 
notice,” said Anne. “He would have 
them over for dinner and make menus 
so they could choose their meals. You 
could always count on my dad to be 
front and center at every school con-
cert, graduation, birthday party with 
that giant camera around his neck.”
In 1985, he founded The Norman 
Prady Company, creating and pro-
ducing advertising and marketing 
materials for several local clients. He 

regularly contributed freelance arti-
cles to local and national publications, 
including a 2016 story in the Detroit 
Jewish News called “To the Person Who 
Ran Me Down with His Small Ugly 
Gold-Colored Car” that described his 
experience as a hit-and-run victim.
Norman had a wry sense of humor 
and an infectious laugh. He loved a 
good corned beef sandwich, his 1988 
Oldsmobile convertible and Marilyn 
Monroe. He enjoyed telling stories 
about his days as a reporter, the day he 
missed a grand slam by Willie Horton 
because Bill had to use the bathroom, 
or the time Jimmy Stewart recorded a 
public service announcement he had 
written.
In his 70s, he wrote and published 
seven novels featuring characters and 
storylines that sprung from his imagi-
native mind.
He started The Oxford Writers 
Group, where a group of writers from 
various backgrounds gathered around 
his kitchen table to hone their skills. For 
a nominal fee that barely covered the 
pizza and salad he served each week, he 
generously shared his wisdom, offering 
valuable advice and needed encourage-
ment. 
Norman Prady is survived by his 
beloved children, Anne (Michael) 
Sheehan and Bill (Jessica Queller) 
Prady; cherished grandchildren, 
Matthew, Nicholas and Benjamin 
Sheehan, and Stella and Asher Prady; 
devoted sisters, Audrey Gerson and the 
late Barbara Cohen. Norman is also sur-
vived by his former wife, Susan Prady.
Interment was at Clover Hill Park 
Cemetery. Contributions in memory 
of Norman Prady may be directed to 
Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network, 
6555 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 
48322, (248) 592-2687, www.jewishhos-
pice.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman 
Chapel. 

A Storied Life

RONELLE GRIER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Norm Prady

