Norbert P. "Sonny" Small, of Melrose, died on December 19, 2019, age 80. Sonny was the beloved husband of Nancy (DiBlasi) Small. Loving Father of Deborah Small of Newbury, Melissa Small-Ebersman & her husband Bruce of Dunstable, Christopher Small & his wife Dana of CA and Kimberly Glor & her husband Jeffrey of Acton. Cherished grandfather Devin, Alex, Cole, Ethan, Aaron, Luna & Grace. Caring brother of Norma Schlegel of Bonita Springs, FL and Gail Davis of Essex Junction, VT. Also survived by several nieces & nephews. Sonny was a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a member of the National Guard completing his certification with The United States Army Signal Corps (USASC). He worked at American Airlines as a Crew Chief in the freight department for 37 years, receiving awards for dedicated service. After taking an early retirement, he embraced his new role as grandfather caring for several of his grandchildren as they grew to school age. He was also able to travel more and enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida trying to avoid his wife's persistent requests to golf. He was an avid athlete in his youth and continued to enjoy watching sports as an adult and attending his grandchildren's games. Though he had the benefit of being able to travel anywhere, he always preferred the comfort of home. He loved working around the house and could fix just about anything. He loved old movies, the latest electronic gadgets and sneaking ice cream when no one was looking. He will be deeply missed by friends and family especially his wife of over 55 years. Family & friends may gather at Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. St. Melrose on Friday, December 27, 2019 from 9:30-10:30AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St. Melrose at 11:00AM. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Sonny's name to Autism Speaks, 85 Devonshire St., 9th floor, Boston, MA, 02109 or to the Salvation Army, 1500 Washington St, Boston, MA, 02118.