Norman F. Chelf

Norman F. Chelf obituary, Portsmouth, RI

Norman F. Chelf

Norman Chelf Obituary

Visit the Connors Funeral Home - Portsmouth website to view the full obituary.

Norman F. Chelf, 98, formerly of Portsmouth, RI, and Elkton, MD, passed away on April 20, 2025, in the Village House Nursing Home. He was the husband of the late Gail (Carson) Chelf for 30 years.

Born in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Arthur and Mary (Sanford) Chelf. Norman lived a life marked by service, dedication, and a love for family and community.

A proud World War II veteran, Norman served his country with honor and bravery in the U.S. Navy. Following his time in the Navy, he made a lasting impact as a manager at the bowling alley at the Newport Naval Base, where he enjoyed sharing his passion for bowling with patrons and friends alike. His love for sports extended beyond bowling; Norman was also a talented semi-professional baseball player during the late 1940s, showcasing his athletic spirit.

Norman was a longtime member of St. Barnabas Church, where he found both community and fellowship among fellow parishioners.

Norman is survived by his son, George A. Chelf and wife Donna, of Preston, CT, his daughter Kathy Brown of Shadyville, OH, 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

In addition to his wife and parents, Norman is preceded in death by his children; Norman F. Chelf Jr., Suzanne Velarde, Kevin Selmer, Michael Chelf, and Chemayne Chelf.

Funeral Services will be held privately.

View All Photos

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Connors Funeral Home - Portsmouth

55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871

Make a Donation
in Norman Chelf's name

How to support Norman's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Norman Chelf's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more