Announcement

‘I like working with people and helping people’

Friday, March 29, 2024

(March 29, 2024) Nobert Violante finished his last official day of work for Ocean Pines on Friday, March 1. Like most days, he could be found at the Community Center doing many odd jobs and wearing his trademark smile.

Originally from Baltimore, Violante worked for Ocean Pines for 18 years. His son, Nobie, is the deputy director of Public Works and has been with the Association for 23 years.

On an average day, Violante would do a little bit of everything, from changing message boards along Ocean Parkway, to getting the community center ready for civic and social club meetings, to keeping the grounds neat and tidy.

"Up here [at the community center] it's mostly setting up rooms and even taking care of the parks and leveling off the trails and cutting the grass. But I've been all over the place! I used to do tennis sometimes too," he said.

He's also been a big part of events, like helping with the annual Hometown Christmas celebration at White Horse Park.

"I would do the decorating and light displays. I won't have to climb up on the roof anymore!" he said with a laugh.

Violante also drives a school bus for Worcester County Public Schools.

"Altogether, I leave the house around 6 in the morning and I don't get home until 7 in the evening," he said. "I always got eight hours in here – or more."

Asked what he will miss the most, Violante said, it's "the people."

"I like working with people and helping people," he said.

Violante said he plans to continue driving a school bus.

"I'll be busy," he said. "[The bus] is probably a little louder than this place."

Many Ocean Pines staffers said they will miss seeing Violante who, each day, provided a steady hand and a friendly smile.

SIDEBAR:

“It’s been really nice for me to be able to work with him all these years – almost two decades. Not everybody has that opportunity to work with their dad. And it’s wonderful that so many people appreciated what he did, each and every day he came into work. He’s a great role model.”
-Nobie Violante, Deputy Public Works Director

“Norbert truly was the backbone of many of our special events that Recreation and Parks puts on. I could always count on having his help preparing for every special event we hold for the community ... it really was a team effort, and I am very sad that part of our team is now gone. Norbert always had a positive attitude, and he enjoyed assisting the various community groups that meet in our building with their room set up. I will miss him very much. While I do hope they find someone soon to fill his position, he can never be replaced.”
-Katie Goetzinger, Recreation and Parks Program Supervisor

“As far as Norbert, he is awesome to work with. Always willing to offer a helping hand and share a corny dad joke to make you laugh. He’s a hard worker and just an all-around good guy, and he will be missed!”
-Kevin Powell, Recreation and Parks Event Coordinator

“Norbert was one of the first people I was introduced to when I started working in Public Works back in 2006. He was always willing to help others and never complained, even when given a task that was not so wonderful. I will miss seeing his smiling face every day working around Ocean Pines.”
-Linda Martin, Senior Executive Office Manager

“Nobert was a great employee and worked on many, many different projects for us. He was one of those indispensable people who just kept things running, and he knew how to do a little bit of everything. More than that, he is just a really nice guy. He always had a smile and always had nice things to say, and he would just lift your spirits whenever you saw him.”
-Josh Davis, Public Relations Director

“Norbert will really be missed by the Kiwanis Club of OP-OC. He got the Assategue Room ready for every Wednesday morning meeting. He helped get tables and chairs to many of the club's events in Ocean Pines when concessions were sold. He's been a real asset to both Ocean Pines and Kiwanis. He will be hard to replace. Wishing him the best in his retirement and future endeavors!”
-David Landis, Kiwanis Club Press Relations Chair

“Norbert was always a big part of the Kiwanis Club. Members show up every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. to a place set up specifically to accommodate our needs. Whatever we needed, Norbert made it happen with a nod and a smile. His efforts are already missed. Our club wishes him the best in his retirement.”
-Bob Wolfing, Kiwanis Club President

Announcement

‘I like working with people and helping people’

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