Norman Edward Gage, 86, formerly of Camp Hill, Penn., and longtime resident of Ridgefield, died peacefully September 17 at Maplewood in Bethel. He was born April 22, 1931, in New Cumberland, Penn., a son of the late Mary (Klepper) and Arthur Norman Gage.

His children, Rebecca Johnston and husband William of Newtown; Lawrence Gage and spouse Maria of Naples, Fla.; Jacquie Gage of Northport, Maine; and Mary Gage-Los and husband Michael of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., survive him. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Jeremiah, Rachel, Victoria, Sija, Sarah, Anna, Peter, Ilianna, Rebecca; and Hope; his sister, Amy Skallerup; his brother, Richard Gage; as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his parents, his wife, Victoria Gage; and a sister, Elsie Gage, predeceased him.

Mr Gage graduated from Camp Hill High School in 1949 and attended Pennsylvania State College where he studied agriculture and dairy husbandry.

During the Korean War, he enlisted and proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a naval aviator. He flew for years from naval aircraft carriers. After completing his tour of duty, he continued to serve in the Navy Reserves. In 1956, he moved to New York City and began flying as a co-pilot for American Airlines and was soon promoted to the captain's seat.

Shortly afterward, he met his beloved wife Victoria Zilli, and they married in 1958. The couple moved to Long Island to start a family, then relocated to Ridgefield, where they resided for 48 years.

Mr Gage was an innate naturalist and true conservationist, teacher, and historian. He was devoted to his family, and made an effort to attend every family event. He was an avid reader and also enjoyed gardening, fishing, hiking, skiing, and traveling with his family.

He volunteered extensively in the community with the Boy Scouts and Boys Club of Ridgefield. He belonged to and served on numerous committees at the Ridgefield Community Center, the Ridgefield Men's Club, the Woodcock Nature Center, and the Twin Ridge Homeowners' Association, as well as Fairfield College Preparatory School and Immaculate High School.

The family wishes to thank Maplewood Hospice, and especially Visiting Angels, for the care and kindness they provided for him.

A memorial service will be on Wednesday, September 27, at 2:30 pm, in the garden at Maplewood at Stony Hill, 46 Stony Hill Road, Bethel. A reception will follow. A memorial service will be planned in the future for family members and friends in Pennsylvania.

There will be no calling hours, interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to either Regional Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Connecticut, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury CT 06810; or any Caribbean Hurricane relief organization.

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Avenue, Danbury, is in charge of arrangements.