In Remembrance: Norman Zolot ’41, ’47LLB Died on February 6 2017

Norman Zolot, 96, a lifelong New Haven resident until moving to Atlanta, Georgia, last year, passed away on February 6, 2017, of a heart broken by the passing eight months earlier of his beloved wife of 45 years, Marilyn Zolot.

Norman was born August 13, 1920, in New Haven, the son of Jacob and Mamie Zolot. A student of New Haven's public schools, he graduated from Yale University in 1941 with a BS in economics. Norman was an economist with the US Department of Treasury until joining the US Air Force during WWII. After discharge, Norman earned a law degree from Yale Law School in 1947 and served as a prosecuting attorney in the New Haven courts. In 1949, Norman was named general counsel for what became the Connecticut AFlCia, and remained active in various capacities with several affiliated labor unions for decades. From 1971 to 1989, he also served as general counsel for the Community Healthcare Center Plan.

Governor Dannel Malloy proclaimed May 26, 2011, Norman Zolot Day in the State of Connecticut, in recognition of Norman's devotion of his entire professional career as a labor lawyer promoting, strengthening, and preserving collective bargaining rights in legislative hearings, at the bargaining table, in labor arbitrations, at administrative agencies, on picket lines, and in state and federal courtrooms across the state. At what was billed as a "retirement dinner" that evening, Norman spoke without notes for 45 minutes about the challenges that lay ahead for trade union members and their families, and at age 91 would have nothing to do with "retirement," and indeed worked until December 2015. Norman saw unions as a voice for working families across the state and nation to obtain fairness and dignity in the workplace, and he led by personal example. Norman's work papers are housed at the Archives & Special Collections department at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, University of Connecticut Libraries.

While Norman's first loves were his wife and his clients, Norman and Marilyn were generous supporters of the arts, including opera, and for many Saturday afternoons were fixtures at the Yale Bowl and of course, the tailgate parties preceding the game.

Norman is survived by his two sons, David Monde of Atlanta and Steven Monde of Montpelier, Vermont, each of whom followed Norman into the practice of law, and their wives, Marie and Stephanie. Norman was adored by his four grandchildren, Max, Christopher, Winslow, and Madeleine. Norman also leaves behind his nieces, Ingrid and Marilyn Rosenberg, and nephews, Burton Rosenberg and Mark, Jeffrey, and David Rosenberg.

A memorial service for friends and relatives will be scheduled for June 2017. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made at that time in support of causes to be identified that were dear to Norman. Funeral arrangements in care of Robert E. Shure Funeral Home, New Haven. To sign an online registry book or to leave a message of condolence, please visit:  www.shurefuneralhome.com.   

—Submitted by the family.