PESTANA, Norbert (Knobby)

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Monday, May 24, 2010. Norbert “Knobby” Pestana, 79, of Lake Havasu City, passed away suddenly May 19, 2010 after an unexpected illness. Born June 21, 1930, in Tewksbury, Mass., Mr. Pestana was the youngest of eight children born to Manuel and Hilda Pestana. He joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from high school, and traveled in military service from Alaska to South America and throughout the United States. Both of his children were born during his tour of duty in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1957-1960. Upon retiring from active military duty, Mr. Pestana and his family settled back in his hometown of Tewksbury, where he continued to work as an Air Force recruiter, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring after nearly 30 years with the USAF. Mr. Pestana then embarked on another government career, with the United States Postal Service, working as a letter carrier until eventually retiring for good in 1992. After that, he began wintering in Arizona, eventually spending half the year each between Lake Havasu City and Massachusetts. An avid golfer, Mr. Pestana belonged to the London Bridge and the Lake Havasu Golf clubs as well as Long Meadow Golf course in Lowell, Mass. He was a member of the Tewksbury Wilmington Elks, the Lake Havasu Elks Yacht Club, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is survived by his wife, Wanda, and his son and daughter, Mark and Lisa, and their spouses. In addition, he leaves behind three stepchildren, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The family will hold an open house at 4 p.m. June 30 at 2612 Saratoga Ave., to celebrate Knobby’s life.