Norman Willenzik

From Pensapedia, the Pensacola encyclopedia
Revision as of 20:58, 26 August 2021 by 135.84.133.199 (talk)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Norman Willenzik
Born November 30, 1928
Pensacola, Florida
Died March 26, 1990
Pensacola, Florida
Occupation Restaurant supply entrepreneur
Religion Jewish
Spouse Carla Willenzik
Parents William and Helen Willenzik
Children Nancy Haller
Richard Willenzik
Jan Lefkowitz
Marcy Friedman
Howard Johl Willenzik

Norman Willenzik (1928-1990) was a Pensacola businessman who co-owned Pensacola Restaurant Supply, or Penko, located in the Lewis Bear and Willko Buildings on Palafox Place at Main. The company was founded by Norman's father and brother, William and Oscar, respectively. Company employees also included Willenzik's wife, Carla, and sister-in-law, Ethel.

Raised in Pensacola, Willenzik graduated from Pensacola High School in 1946, in the same class as friend and future governor, Reubin Askew. He worked at Penko from 1948 to November 1950, when he was drafted into the army. He served at Fort Jackson from 1950 to November 1952, during which he married Carla. From November 1952 onward he worked at Penko, receiving a third of the ownership, while his brother and father also each had a third.

Willenzik was a member of B'nai Israel Synagogue, former chairman of the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce's tourism committee, former president of the Downtown Rotary Club from 1988-1989, and was named a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.

On March 26, 1990, Willenzik passed away from a heart attack at age 61 in Pensacola.