Michael Alden Norell

Michael Alden Norell obituary, State College, PA

Michael Alden Norell

Michael Norell Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home - State College on May 23, 2023.

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Michael Alden Norell, 85, of Huntingdon, PA passed away May 12, 2023. He was born on October 4, 1937 in Wallace, ID to the late James Alden and Wilma Helen (Snook) Norell. Michael received his Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University in 1959 and served in the United States Army from 1959 - 1964. He married the late Liz Ingleson in 1965 and Cynthia Ann Cherbak in 1991.
Michael was an actor, writer and producer that enjoyed worthwhile memberships in the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Writers Guild of America West, Actors Equity Association and Sigma Delta Chi. In 1990 he won the Writers Guild Award for Longform.
Michael was preceded in death by both parents, his brother, James and his first wife, Liz. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Cynthia Ann Cherbak of Toluca Lake, CA; daughter, Chelsea Cherbak Norell of Eagle Rock, CA and son, James Cherbak Norell of West Los Angeles, CA.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home. Services are private per the request of the family. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com
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May 18, 2025

Jay Straw posted to the memorial.

May 17, 2024

Tammy Billings posted to the memorial.

May 17, 2024

Emergency Fan posted to the memorial.

Jay Straw

May 18, 2025

Mike Norell was born In Idaho, but was from Huntingdon, PA. Cool stuff.
KMG-365

Tammy Billings

May 17, 2024

He played such a memorable character and from his interviews that i read he seemed to be quite a character as well. RIP and God bless him and his family

Emergency Fan

May 17, 2024

Captain Stanley-you were the best. You truly cared about your crew, and were like a father to them. Captain Hank Stanley has returned to quarters-KMG-365.

Single Memorial Tree

Puanani

Planted Trees

Nancy Horner

November 30, 2023

Mike and I corresponded for many years and he helped me to get in touch with Jim Page, who sent me a copy of his book about paramedics to help me with research. He was charming, smart, and loads of fun to chat with. Of course, I also loved Emergency! and thought his scripts were the best. I will miss his sense of humor and his book recommendations. He was an absolute delight. Rest in Peace, Mike.

Deborah C Alfonso

October 8, 2023

I watched Emergency all my life I'm 61 now and I'm still watching it. DEBORAH ALFONSO.

Emergency Fan

October 8, 2023

Emergency Fan. Sorry to hear of your death. You were the best Cap of the series. KMG-365

Michael Shai

October 8, 2023

I was surprised to see that you have passed!! I watch Emergency! 3 times daily. Great program while you as Capt. Stanley was the best. RIP Mike, KMG365 out..

Z. Fay Sheridan

September 4, 2023

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Long time Fan Still watch reruns of the show. RiP Z Fay Sheridan

Andrea Hassanen

July 17, 2023

I wish that I had had the opportunity to meet you and speak with someone I greatly admired. I am sorry your not here to brighten the our world anymore.

Tony Krueger

July 5, 2023

Thanks for the great memories Mr Norell. Being a boy of 10 years old back in 1972 watching emergency was so great.And now I'm 61 years old.Thank you kindly.My prayers go out to your family sir.

Ron Warren

June 13, 2023

Capt. it is because of your show and the impact it had on me that I am celebrating my 40th year as a Firefighter/EMT. Thanks again for the memories.

dana giardina

June 12, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss watching emergency tv. My favorite tv show. Emergency see it IMDb. You will be miss all.

Bill Cleveland

June 5, 2023

Rip captain

Emergency! Fan from Colorado.

June 3, 2023

Number1!!!!!!! Emergency! Capt. Henry "Hank" Stanley.
You - Great Actor - Michael Norell in my heart!! :)

Patricia Peters

June 2, 2023

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

marlene F dan

June 2, 2023

missyou

Pete Dunn

June 2, 2023

Condolences to the family of Michael Norell. Thank you for being a TV Captain on Emergency! and thank you for being a real U S Army Captain serving our country. Salute and Taps

Deborah Sizemore

June 1, 2023

I am heartbroken to hear of Michael´s passing. I loved watching him on Emergency. The character he played was such a kind and caring man. He was made for that role. I thank God for blessing us with this talented man. I pray for comfort for his family and also all the remaining members of his Emergency family. I was never able to meet him but he is in my heart. Time to sign off Captain Stanley, KMG365
God bless you.

Frank Willis

June 1, 2023

RIP Captain Stanley

DIANE

May 31, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Janet O'Ferrell

May 31, 2023

So sorry for you loss, Will be in my thoughts.

Philiplape fan of emergency

May 30, 2023

I will always remember michael for his roll and capten standly of station 51 and kmg 365 and say hi to Judy aka Dixie macall for us capten

Colton

May 30, 2023

Was blessed to have met the man where he resided. He was the most humble and caring man. Emergency was one of my favorite shows growing up and when I learned he lived in my town I couldn´t have been more excited. He was just excited to meet people and see how the current fire service had changed. Rest in peace Capt

Ben Masters

May 30, 2023

Having just heard of the passing at 85 of Michael Norell, I'd like to say that while it is sad that he has passed on, the blessing is that we have all of his most famous work, Emergency! (that hit 1972-77 NBC medical/action series), on DVD to enjoy; the reason why this is a blessing is because many deceased stars do not have all of their most famous roles on DVD. Personally, I more have enjoyed him being Capt. Hank Stanley on Emergency! than I ever would have any of today's leaders of fictional fire stations.

Again, RIP to one of classic television's greatest leading characters.

Bix Fisher

May 29, 2023

I don't know what to say. Never met Michael, just a fan of Emergency. That show along with Adam-12 pushed me into a career of law enforcement. I still have all the episodes of Emergency on my DVR. His humor and character in that show alone tells me all I need to know about him. I am deeply saddened as I know probably tens of thousands fans, not to mention family that know, admired and loved him. God bless, be strong, and at least those of us who knew him as Captain Stanley can enjoy him forever.

Single Memorial Tree

Catherine McIntyre

Planted Trees

Deb Engel

May 28, 2023

To Michael Norell aka Captain Hank Stanley - Station 51. So many people have left messages here that expressed my feelings rather succinctly. For many of us Captain Stanely will never die - he is immortalized on film. We can pop in an Emergency! DVD and watch you come to life. To Mike Norell, actor, writer, husband, father and friend - thank you for sharing your acting and writing talents with us and for being a part of a television show that was the catalyst that helped change the face of emergency medicine forever. May the universe keep you safe and may your family know how much you were loved and valued. May they know peace in their hearts. "Captain Stanley - in quarters; KMG-365."

Stuart McFeeters, Ph.D.

May 28, 2023

I really enjoyed his many performances as Captain Stanley on Emergency! and as well, his non-acting contributions to the show. He was a fine actor, who really made it easy to believe that he could lead a fire station. Many have viewed that show, and were moved to become firefighters or paramedics, and they have saved countless lives. What a fine testament, to a fine actor.

My condolences to the family.

Karen Robbins

May 27, 2023

Michael Norell´s work has been immortalized on all those episodes of Emergency that we can continue to enjoy. I watched Emergency as a kid when it first aired, and as an adult I´m amazed at how well-cast it was. Mike was in the right place at the right time. He was a man of many talents; an actor, screenwriter and producer. His character was part boss, part father, part counselor, and he directed the various units at a fire with authority as one would expect a battalion chief would. His voice could be soothing, commanding, sarcastic and fun-loving. He had an honest face and a heartwarming smile. He shall be greatly missed by all.

I hope he rests peacefully now, and that his family receives comfort from the love all of us had for Michael Norell.

Sean Potter

May 27, 2023

To Michael's family you're my sincere condolences in the loss he played an excellent role

IMH

May 27, 2023

My condolences to the family. He was an incomparable roll model to so many via his roll as Captain Stanley. Eternal rest grant unto him and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. KMG365

Stephen Kronmuller

May 27, 2023

Rest in peace Captain. Your influence on my life and career will always remain with me.

Joyce Adams

May 27, 2023

Thank you for the program Emergency. My dad was a fire chief and help start the local volunteer fire department in our town. He loved that job.

Darryl Feth

May 27, 2023

Forever Captain Stanley,RIP

Chris Stansfield

May 27, 2023

RIP Captain Stanley. KMG365.

MRy Nichter

May 27, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Steve Wehner

May 26, 2023

Thanks Cap for being an inspiration.. KMG 365

Tony Sepanski

May 26, 2023

Thank you to Capt. Stanley for not only providing me with an opportunity to watch "Emergency" throughout my childhood, but even more importantly providing me a template for a good, sound leader of teams that I use to this day.

KMG 365, Cap!

Michele Brown

May 26, 2023

One of my EMS icons died one week before EMS week. Thanks for inspiring my career. He will be remembered by all of us in EMS and Fire forever.

Steve Williams

May 26, 2023

"EMERGENCY!" was a great show, in part due to Mr. Norell's portrayal of Captain Stanley "Cap". Prayers for his family and may "Cap" rest in His eternal peace.

Anthony Drummond

May 26, 2023

My Condolences to a great Captain Stanley as a roll as KMG365 In Emergency! To the family my Condolences he is with the Lord Jesus God Bless

Caroline Peoples

May 26, 2023

So sorry to hear of Mike Norrells passing. He played "Cap" on Emergency so well. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.

Steven S. Greene

May 26, 2023

Capt. Stanley was the the model for a great captain. He was invested in his personnel and always looked for the good in everyone and every situation.
May his memory always be for a blessing and may he Rest in Peace.

William Kramer Jr

May 26, 2023

I hope you and your family realize the impact you had on some many of us that went on to serve. Thoughts, prayers and thanks to the Captain and the Norell family.

Barbara

May 26, 2023

Cap - however much it hurts to let you go and the sadness in our hearts, we know you are in heaven saying hello to Chet, petting Boot and Henry, and then saying hello to Dixie and Dr. Early. We will all meet again one day, until then kmg 365 Station 51 is quiet today and tonight in remembrance of those wonderful and caring people who touched our lives and hearts in so many ways only each of us knows how much.
Barbara

Carla J Gemmati

May 26, 2023

I cannot believe we lost Captain Stanley!! I loved, loved, loved him!! He was the type of Captain every fire station needs. He had a great sense of humor and stood behind every single one of his men! He always had their back! RIP Capt.

Barry Barnett

May 26, 2023

Thanks to him and his role in Emergency as the station captain, he convinced lots of young men and women to join the fire service. RIP

Sarge madden

May 26, 2023

He was Absolutely a fantastic captain on the show .. he will be missed KMG 365

EC Morgan

May 26, 2023

A true inspiration in launching bravery of what our firefighters and EMT's face. Inspired by Dad to become a fireman and first responder back in the 70's and at the age of 85, to date, my Dad is still an active member with the local volunteer department in Maryland. Prayers to the family. He will truly be missed.

Fran C. L.

May 26, 2023

To the family of Mr. Norell, thank you for sharing him with us through his work on Emergency! My condolences to all of you. May he rest in peace. KMG 365

Rusty Rollings

May 26, 2023

Deepest condolences to the family. I watched the show growing up and still to this day watch reruns. Captain Stanley will never be forgotten. Station 51 KMG365

mary agosta

May 26, 2023

Loved watching Michael on emergency. Great guy and he will be missed.

Captain Tim Foppiano S.B.Co.F.D. (Retired)

May 26, 2023

Condolences to your family, and all who knew and loved you. Began watching the TV series Emergency while in middle school. This was a huge influence on my decision to pursue a career in the fire service in Southern California, from which I retired as a Captain. Thank you and God Bless sir.

kurt pless

May 25, 2023

Sympathies and condolences to the family of Mr Norell, excellent Capt on Emergency. he played that part so very professional. others im sure picked that as their career being FF/PM. he was great in his roll. RIP Mike. you will be missed by all who knew you.

Doug Halloran

May 25, 2023

Rest in Peace Cap. You will always be remembered.

Cathy Adams

May 25, 2023

I may not have had the honour of knowing him personally. But his tv role as Capt Stanley affected me greatly. I thought he was the BEST supervisor I have ever seen...the way he dealt with his men making them a close team and a family as well. I had always hoped to have a supervisor like him, but was never blessed. I truly enjoyed watching him on tv! My prayers and blessings to his family.

Mike

May 25, 2023

Condolences to the family and prayers for everyone. A truly remarkable man. Thank you for your service. You guided young men and women into the character you portrayed. Growing up in the 1970´s and watching Emergency is the reason I became a firefighter and retired this year with 35 years thanks to Michael. You and the legend you created will live on everyday in ever firehouse. Rest in Peace Cap!

Frank Ferenchick

May 25, 2023

Mike was an inspiration to a whole generation of first responders. Thank you for serving America and entertaining us with your excellent portrayal of Capt. Stanley.

C Kindelspire

May 25, 2023

I want to offer my condolences plus share what impact he had on my life. The show Emergency led me to a 32-year journey in the fire service. He and the others have touched so many lives. Please know he will never be forgotten and what a role model he was for many of us.

Jonathan Williamson

May 25, 2023

Mr. Norell,

May you rest peacefully now. As a young lad in the 90´s. I would watch reruns of Emergency! always amazed by the two leads of the show. However, as the years went by, the more I seen the role of Captain you played. The interactions were not like the stories I heard, but one that sought to understand the crew that you lead. Take advice from the others of lower rank, and agreed to plans they made. Whenever you authority needed to be made, it was respected without hasty delay. Thank you for inspiring me to be a leader as you portrayed with Captain Stanley you played. Forever grateful for the life you paved that inspired others to brave. Mr. Norell, Thank you. I pray for your family and those who are close to you. My deepest condolences Thank you Captain Stanley <3.

Sandy

May 25, 2023

As I write this, I'm watching Emergency now. Sorry to hear of your passing cap, you were an inspiration to me as well as the whole cast of the show. Love and Prayer go out to your family. Sorry for your loss. Rest in peace cap. KMG365

Vincent LaPenta

May 25, 2023

Rest In Peace Sir thank you for your service to our country and thank you for the years of entertainment you gave us.

Rebecca Mantei

May 25, 2023

Fly high with the Angels sir. Grew up watching Emergency still do. Sincerest condolences to family and friends. RIP "Cap"

Kim Berry

May 25, 2023

Lots of Love.. Soar high with the angels Cap! My sincere condolences to Mike´s family and friends.. Kim Berry a long time fan in Wisconsin

John

May 25, 2023

Capt ... so sorry to learn of your passing. You and the others were an inspiration to us as kids growing up. It was your show that I went on to be a paramedic and firefighter ... well done ... you have earned your rest. "Time out" - eternity ... KMG365

Thoughts and prayers to family, coworkers and friends

Julie M

May 25, 2023

As a child watching him on Emergency!, he was my hero. So very sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.

Douglas Schaffer

May 25, 2023

To his family and friends, I am sorry for your loss.
I thank you for "sharing" him with us. I am another one of the people that he inspired to become a Firefighter/Paramedics. Impossible to calculate how many careers he shaped, and through us, how many lives he helped save.
Farewell to a REAL HERO !
Respectfully,
Doug

Jim Curtis

May 25, 2023

RIP Captain Stanley

Todd Kerr

May 25, 2023

I grew up watching EMERGENCY! Condolences to his family and friends. This is a sad day for me.

Michele (from Canada).

May 25, 2023

Sending heartfelt prayer hugs for comfort and peace to his family.
Always loved watching him as "Captain " on Emergency.

Edward Connor, EMT

May 25, 2023

Mike "Captain Stanley" was among those who inspired me to join the World's Greatest Fraternity nearly 45 years ago. He was a natural leader who respected all and paved the way for modern Fire & EMS. May his Memory continue to inspire many generations to come.

Doralea Farrell

May 25, 2023

In was nice growing up with Emergency. He was a good actor. Prayers go out to his Family. Sorry for your loss. DoraF

Travis Rader

May 25, 2023

Like many people I grew up watching Michael on Emergency. It was he and the others who inspired me as a youth to become a paramedic. I'm now retired from a 25 year career in EMS. My prayers are with Michael's family and friends. Station 51 signing off KMG356

Susan Cox Leavell

May 25, 2023

RIP Capt. May God be with you, your family, friends and fans. Thank you for the enjoyment we all still get watching you on Emergency.

Rickey Wilson

May 25, 2023

So sorry to hear of his passing he was a great actor on tv. His potral of a fire captain on the show emergency inspired thousands to follow their dream as who now has been a firefighter EMT for 45 years As a husband ,father, friend he will be missed but we will all meet again in Heaven.

Glenn Torrey

May 25, 2023

The show emergency was why I became a Fire fight and Emt p
When I was a Lt m y condolences to the family peace be with you capt

Carol Sue Lohman

May 25, 2023

I have always been a fan of Emergency. In fact, I am still watching the reruns! Michael's role as Captain Stanley was superb! He exhibited so many positive characteristics in his role and showed himself to be a very sincere individual. My condolences to his family.

Retired Captain John DeBoard

May 25, 2023

My prayers are for the family. He played Capt. Stanley on the TV show Emergency. That was my favorite TV show growing up as a kid in the 1970's. I always wanted to be a firefighter as a kid and now I have retired after 30 years in the Fire Service and still doing EMS. He was my mentor as the captain of station 51. May he rest in peace.

John Ludwig

May 25, 2023

Rest in Peace, Cap. Thank you for being part of a great childhood.
Kmg 365.

Trish

May 25, 2023

Great actor. His role as captain Stanley was awesome. May he rest in peace

Sharon Gaul

May 25, 2023

KMG365 we´ll take it from here

A true fan in Wisconsin, Kim Berry

May 25, 2023

Soar high with the angels Cap! (Mike Norell) Thank you for being the best Captain on Emergency! Love you Randy, Kevin and all the cast. Lots of Love. Sincere condolences to Mike´s family

L Venditte

May 25, 2023

I always enjoyed Michael over the years while he starred in Emergency. I still watch the series to this day and he always made me smile in the way he handled the crew and emergencies. A true professional in everything he did. I was sorry to hear about his passing. May you find comfort in the memories he gave you and his public.

Steven Christensen , retired FF/PM

May 25, 2023

I watched Emergency as a young man . I eventually became a Firefighter/Paramedic. Rest in peace " Capt"

Kip Grant

May 25, 2023

Mike as Capt. Stanley and all the crew at Station 51 not only inspired so many of us to become firefighters but week after week made us proud that we did. He was a perfect fit for the role. RIP with much admiration.

Bill

May 25, 2023

Rest in peace capt you deserve it

A fan in Wisconsin, Kim Berry

May 25, 2023

Soar high with the angels Cap! (Mike Norell) Thank you for being the best Captain on Emergency! Absolutely love you and all the cast. Lots of Love, Condolences to Mike´s family xx

Alma Serrano, SSG USA

May 25, 2023

As a kid in the 70´s, I lived for Emergency.! I was so glued to the set that my mom started calling me Emergency and saying I was going to need to call an ambulance because we were about to have a "real" emergency. I grew up wanting to be a firefighter/paramedic. Although that never came to fruition, u did become a combat medic in the Army. This show inspired a generation of children to become firefighters, paramedics, doctors and nurses. I am forever grateful for how it forged a path for the firefighter/ paramedic program that exists today. RIP CPT Stanley! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Carrie Bristow

May 25, 2023

My condolences to the family and friends ! I loved watching emergency it was one of my favorite shows
Michael was a wonderful actor on emergency 51
he will be miss ! See you in Heaven !

Bonnie Swift

May 25, 2023

I remember watching Michael as Captain Stanley on Emergency. My daughter watched it with me and I'm proud to say both her and my son are firefighter/paramedics. He was an exceptional actor and I will always remember KMG365. Thank you Mr. Norell and may you rest easy.

Martha LARA

May 25, 2023

My condolences to family Norell I used watch emergency 51 RIP

Batica Mitrovic

May 25, 2023

Sorry to hear about the passing of Mike Norell. I remember him as Captain Stanley on Emergency as a child, and still enjoyed watching the show in syndication. KMG365.

Mary Katherine Hlad

May 25, 2023

My deepest condolences to the Norell family during this difficult time.

Regina Courtney

May 25, 2023

We watch reruns of emergency and feel like we know him.

Jennifer from Ohio

May 25, 2023

KMG 365

Leslie Marsh

May 25, 2023

I am so sorry to hear Micheal passed away. I remember him on Emergency he was a great actor! I also understand he graduated fro. W & L University in Lexington,Va. I am originally from Staunton,Va Micheal picked a great college. I have been on the campus as well as VMI beautiful campus! Please accept my condolences I will be praying fir all of you!

Frank Terzino Sr.

May 25, 2023

I never met you but you were always part of my family since you became "The Cap" on Emergency

David "Bernie" McBurnett

May 25, 2023

I enjoyed watching you in Emergency. When I became a fire fighter my goal was to be a Captain. It was a just show but Capt. Stanley knew how to run a hall. Thank you for some great childhood memories and as and adult firefighter I enjoy watching the reruns just as much. Peace, best wishes and prayers for the family.

Capt./EMT-P David "Bernie" McBurnett
Chattanooga Fire Department

Stacey thomas

May 25, 2023

Rip captain stanly

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May 18, 2025

Jay Straw posted to the memorial.

May 17, 2024

Tammy Billings posted to the memorial.

May 17, 2024

Emergency Fan posted to the memorial.