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