Lifelong Westfield is proud to spotlight Dr. Norm Luka for his lifelong contributions to the Westfield community. Norm and his wife, Kris, have been residents of Westfield since 1977, having relocated from Rochester to a home on Prospect Street, when Norm joined a local group of doctors. Norm and Kris were enthused that Westfield seemed to have much to offer their growing family; the excellent school system, the thriving downtown, and the safe, well-maintained town itself. In 1985, they moved to a home on Dudley, where they continued to raise their son and their twin boys, until 1985, when they built a home on Elm Street, where they currently reside.
Norm met his wife, Kris, at Hofstra, after which he was accepted at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1964. They married during Norm’s senior year in medical school, when Kris completed nursing school, and their three boys were born in Rochester. One may wonder how the Lukas decided to move to Westfield. Like many in Westfield, professional career opportunity was the driving force. While completing his Cardiac Fellowship in Rochester, Norm was recruited by a group of doctors in central NJ, seeking to expand their coverage area. This cardiovascular surgical group thought it desirable to maintain a presence in Westfield, as a key piece of their growth strategy, which included developing a practice at Overlook Hospital. It was during that five-day house search that Norm and Kris found the house on Prospect Street. Their home on Dudley was built in the 1850’s and renovated several times since. Of historical interest is the fact that Charles Adams had sketched a skeleton in the barn on the 2.5-acre property. That unique space became a favorite gathering spot for the Luka teens and their friends – a clubhouse of sorts – and that sketch now resides with the Westfield Historical Society. When Norm and Kris visited their prospective home, there was a dog named Bruno tied to the fence, which they eventually agreed to adopt as part of the purchase. Norm jokes that they purchased Bruno, and the house came with him. Most importantly, Norm reflects that that home was an open-door haven for their teens and their friends – something he was very proud to recall.
Norm retired as an active surgeon in 2003 and then served as Chief Medical Officer at Overlook until 2013, before returning to the clinic he’d started many years ago to manage chronic wounds. To this day Norm remains actively involved in the clinic. Norm balances his scientific and technical endeavors with creative expression and cultural outlets. In addition to his love for opera, photography, art and music; he dabbles in the culinary arts and even roasts his own coffee beans! Norm, past president of the Westfield Symphony (now the Festival Orchestra of NJ) and Kris are long-time members of Echo Lake CC, and Kris remains active in many local organizations, including the Historical Society of Westfield.
When asked why he still resides in Westfield, Norm cited the inclusiveness of the community, the beauty of the town, the superb school system and easy accessibility to New York City. Most importantly, their sons and grandchildren have benefited from growing up in town and from having been educated in the Westfield School System. In particular, Norm credits their Westfield education for instilling in them all-important critical thinking skills. When Dr. Luka and his family settled in Westfield in 1977, they could not have imagined the positive impact this town would have on them and their family. Norm and Kris continue to take advantage of all that Westfield has to offer but more importantly, they generously contribute more than their fair share to the ever evolving and unique character that is Westfield.
