Norbert “Knobby” Raymond LaRochelle was an avid sailor, and asked that donations be made to NESS when he passed. Prior to his retirement in 1996 as Postmaster in Essex, CT, he was employed by the US Postal Service for 32 years. He had also served in the US Air Force and was a long-time member of the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club.

“My Dad told me he got the nickname from his friends when he was a kid. Apparently, there was a popular comic strip, Joe Palooka.  ‘Knobby’ was Joe Palooka’s boxing manager and I guess his characteristics reminded his friends of my Dad.  From that point on, the nickname stuck!”

Knobby’s family teamed up with NESS to provide an Optimist Naming Sponsorship in honor of Knobby and his love for sailing. The boat decal itself was designed in-house and features USPS indicia and US Air Force Blue. “Having an Optimist named ‘KNOBBY’ will be a great tribute to my Dad, he was such an optimist!”

Learn more about Boat Naming Opportunities and other ways to support NESS here!