NORDEN H. WETSTONE, formerly of West Hartford, died in Sarasota, FL, on  May 22, 2025.

Submitted

Norden H. Wetstone was born in 1929 in Hartford, CT, to Julius and Reba Kahn Wetstone. He grew up on the family farm in Ellington, CT, and then in childhood he moved to Manchester, CT. Norden graduated from the College of the University of Chicago in 1948. He also attended the School of Agriculture at the University of Connecticut. Norden was the Vice President of the Wetstone Tobacco Corporation, and worked alongside his father Julius Wetstone, uncle Harry Wetstone, and cousin Marshall Wetstone, growing potatoes and shade grown tobacco. Norden invented several growing techniques, many of which are still in use today. During this time he also served for several years as Vice-President of the Connecticut State Potato Growers Association and as President of the Connecticut Potato Farmer’s Cooperative Association.

In 1956 Norden met and married the love of his life, Nancy Chernoff Wetstone. He and Nancy shared a love of traveling and cooking, and for fifty years they traveled extensively overseas and domestically, and together raised three children. The family moved from West Hartford to Sarasota, Florida in 1977. There, Norden formed the Wetstone Center for Commerce and Industry, an industrial park complex, which he managed until 1999.

Norden had a keen interest in model railroads, and participated in this hobby for more than 80 years.  He also enjoyed cooking, even taking classes at the Ecole Ritz Escoffier in Paris, and a Master Class in Italian Cooking with esteemed chef, Marcella Hazan, in Venice, Italy. He was also an avid bridge player.

Norden was predeceased by his beloved wife Nancy in 2007, and by his brother, Barrie Kahn Wetstone in 2010. He is survived by his children, Tracey Siegel, Jordan Wetstone, and Evan Wetstone and their spouses, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on a future date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

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