Norman Neil Habermann, an incredible husband, father, grandfather, accomplished business leader, philanthropist, athlete, and friend to many, died peacefully at home on Sept. 9, 2026, at the age of 93.
He lived a remarkable life defined by achievement, generosity, and above all a deep love for his family.
Norm was born on May 7, 1933, in New Jersey, alongside his identical twin brother Edward.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University, where he played basketball.
Norm’s competitive spirit was perhaps never more evident than when he faced his twin brother Ed on the court — Ed playing for Johns Hopkins, Norm for Rutgers — an experience that combined two of Norm’s lifelong passions: family and athletics.
He later earned his MBA from Golden Gate University in San Francisco.
Norm served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy before beginning an extraordinary career in the food service and restaurant industry.
Over several decades, he held senior executive positions, including COO and CEO, with prominent companies such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Collins Foods International, Denny’s, Carrows Restaurant Inc., and W.R. Grace’s food group.
While at W.R. Grace, he lead a leveraged buyout becoming president and CEO of Restaurant Enterprises Group, consisting of more than 1,000 full-service restaurants across various categories.
Even after retiring, Norm’s entrepreneurial spirit never slowed. He joined the Board of Fine Host, based in Greenwich, Connecticut, and shortly thereafter became its chairman and CEO, commuting weekly from Santa Barbara.
Work was never simply about business for Norm, it was about people, building organizations, solving problems, and creating something meaningful.
But Norm’s greatest accomplishments were not found in a boardroom. Education and healthcare were central to Norm’s commitment to giving back. He served as a trustee of the UCSB Foundation and as its chair from 1996-97.
He taught a class on entrepreneurship at UC Santa Barbara and was a longtime board member of the Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation.
He was a dedicated committee member at the Santa Barbara Foundation and, as with all of his involvements, was known to ask the tough questions with the goal of excellence.
As a lifelong learner Norm believed deeply in the power of education to change lives and was generous with both his time and resources. One of his favorite quotes was after preparing yourself “… a part of life is good luck and timing.”
He was equally supportive of his wife Jane’s longstanding commitment to helping others through VNA Health and Serenity House.
He was an enthusiastic sailor, competitive tennis player, and a deeply passionate golfer, having the great fortune of playing Augusta National and having a handful of ‘“hole in ones.”
He was a longtime member of Birnam Wood Golf Club in Montecito, where he greatly enjoyed the many friendships he made on the golf course and in the gym.
Above all, Norm was immensely proud of his family. He cherished his wife of more than 35 years, Jane; his sons, Scott (Alyssa) and Brett; and embraced Jane’s children Lisa (Mark) and Steve (Denile) as his own.
He also took enormous joy in his grandchildren Kate, Lauren, Max, Asher and Bodi.
Norm’s family was his greatest source of pride and happiness, and he treasured the time they spent together, the many dinners they shared, and the lives they built.
Norm was a man of purpose beyond just business, as he measured his success much more by the lasting friendships he had, the community he gave generously back to, and the loving family he created with Jane.
He was a man who accomplished a great deal — and was very grateful for all of it.
In honor of Norman, donations to the Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation and VNA Health would be deeply appreciated.
The family will hold a private ceremony in celebration of Norm’s life around his birthday on May 7.