Kiwanis Club of Bensalem

2010 Service to Education Award

Norman Patten

Norman has always felt a special bond with those in the emergency service profession. This bond was enhanced in 1992 after Norman’s uncle, Sergeant Timmy O’Brien a member of the Paterson NJ Motor Patrol, was killed while preparing to demonstrate to the Ford Motor Company potential problems relating to how their Crown Victoria performed at high speeds.

Norman was born in Paterson, NJ and grew up in the neighboring town of Totowa. He is one of 6 children. Norman graduated Passaic Valley High School, attended Montclair State University for accounting and Mercer County Community for mortuary science. All throughout school he was in the restaurant business working various hourly positions and then becoming a supervisor by the age of nineteen. He then managed several restaurant concepts.

Norman is married to the Katy and together they have 5 children: Norman, Christopher, Keeley, Emma and Marney. Norman is a nationally ranked tennis player. Christopher will crossover to Boy Scouts from Webelos this April. Keeley is an avid reader and loves to play soccer and tennis Emma is a rising tennis and swimming star. At 2, Marney works hard at being her parent’s little sweetheart.

In 2000, Norman and Katy were able to purchase a limited partnership with the Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Bensalem, PA. Through their partnership with Carrabba’s, Katy and Norman have been able to help many, many organizations, including area police, fire, and emergency medical groups, public and private schools and a multitude of houses of worship. They have received the Carrabba’s Italian Grill Partner of the Year Award 4 out of 5 years.

During 2010, Norman began a new venture in the restaurant business, becoming the Managing Partner at the Texas Road House in Bensalem. Though he had offers at other establishments after leaving Carrabba’s he purposely chose to remain in Bensalem. He continues to have a great bond and dedication to those he serves in Bensalem.

In the past ten years, he has donated over $250,000.00 to the many organizations he assists.

Norman has also been recognized by the Bensalem and Council Rock School Districts, the Fraternal Order of Police, The Cavalry’s Order of the Spur, the National Guard and the 304^th Civil Affairs Brigade for his fundraising efforts.

Norman’s hobbies include his family, marksmanship, fishing, tennis and the marine life of coastal Florida.