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Norbert Harold Szymanowski, affectionately known as “Reds,” “Ski,” and “Norby” to family, friends and colleagues, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, in Crofton, Maryland, surrounded by his loving family. He was 96.
Born on October 6, 1928, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Norbert was the son of the late John James and Otillia (Bialk) Szymanowski. He spent the first 17 years of his life as a farm boy in Wisconsin Dells, where his Wisconsin relatives lovingly called him “Norby.”
After graduating from Wisconsin Dells High School in 1946, Norbert enlisted in the United States Navy. He trained at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station and served in Washington, D.C., as a Communications Technician 2nd Class with OP-20G, the cryptologic arm of the Navy, then part of the Navy Communications Activity Washington (later the Naval Security Service). During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Marion O’Connor. He was honorably discharged in 1949, having earned the WWII Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Following his military service, Norbert continued his work in national defense as a civilian with the Armed Forces Security Agency, which later became the National Security Agency (NSA). Over a distinguished five-decade career, he held numerous leadership roles, including Technical Director of the Operations Analysis Group and Chief of the Signals Analysis Division. His contributions to signals collection, analysis, and target development significantly advanced U.S. national security.
Norbert’s unwavering dedication and innovation earned him many accolades, including two Civilian Meritorious Service Awards, two Senior Technical Achievement Awards, the NSA Director’s Career Development Award, and the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement. Upon retirement in January 1997, he received a letter of appreciation from President Bill Clinton. One of the most meaningful honors was the establishment of the N.H. Szymanowski Team Award, presented to recognize team excellence in global contributions to cryptologic success. A testament of his legacy of teamwork, excellence and innovation. A lifelong learner, Norbert earned his BA in Business Administration from The George Washington University in 1961, completing his degree over 11 years of night school. He also graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (1967) and the United States Air War College (1968). After retirement in 1997, he shared his passion for history as a volunteer docent at the National Cryptologic Museum at Ft. Meade, where he especially enjoyed giving personal tours to friends and family. His personal anecdotes during the tours added to creating interest for young minds and first-hand accounts of security developments. He was a long-time member of the Phoenix Society.