Eugene Norman Hackel, 92, of West Hartford, CT passed away on November 20, 2014. He was born November 19, 1922 in Manhattan, NY, son of Alexander and Gertrude Hackel. During WWII, Norman served in the 8th Air Force, flying 31 combat missions including 2 on D-day. He received several medals including The Distinguished Flying Cross. After combat, as a transport pilot, he rescued wounded G.I.’s, slave laborers, and concentration camp survivors. Norman worked as an executive in the textile industry, retiring in 1996. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he was active in politics, West Hartford Regents, and presenting his war experiences to public schools students. He passionately supported the arts. Norman was known by family and friends for his storytelling, sense of humor, and wise counsel. He is survived by his wife Serene, his daughters Jamie and Susie Hackel, grand-daughter, Julie Buxbaum, and great-grandson Benjamin. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT followed by a burial at Fairview Cemetery, Whitman St., West Hartford, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be sent to the American Heart Association , www.heart.org. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford, CT. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Norman Hackel, Please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.com.