Norman J. Feitelson

Norman J. Feitelson
Norman J. Feitelson, 100, of 18 Tower Lane, New Haven and formerly of Bethany and Waterbury, CT, died peacefully at home on Thursday, August 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Norman was born in Waterbury on October 20, 1924. He was the son of the late Fanny (Segall) and Louis Feitelson. Survived by his beloved daughters, Marion (Larry) Winkler, Ellen (Daniel) Iead, and Barbara (Seth) Cohen; adored grandchildren, Quinn Biter, Pamela Olszyk, Lindsay (Sean) Keaney, Dylan Biter, Rachel Winkler, Zachary (Joyce) Cohen, and Melissa (Noam) Kessing; and treasured great-grandchildren, Pearl Iead, Luke and Matthew Olszyk, Layla Gloria and Jack Keaney, Zoe Cohen, and Lucy Madison Kessing; and favorite brother-in-law, Robert (Ann) Cole, and loving nephew and nieces. He was married to the late Gloria Cole Feitelson for 42 years until her death in 1998 and the late Lois Stone Dwyer. He was the cherished sister of the late Lee Feitelson.
Drafted into the US Army in June 1943, he served overseas as combat infantry man in the European Theater of Operations (5th Infantry Division). Just two days after landing, he experienced combat during the Battle of Bitburg. His unit was part of the crossing of the Rhine, where they heard the speech given by General Patton before the battle that ensued. Most notably, he was part of the division that liberated one of the concentration camps in Czechoslovakia, where his knowledge of Yiddish was critical. In 1945, his unit was sent back to the US to Fort Campbell, where he began playing and refereeing basketball for the Army team. He also served as Battalion Recreation Director of the 1st Battalion of the 11th Infantry Regiment. He was the recipient of an American Theater Medal, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged in February 1946. As a WWII veteran, he was invited to share his real-life experiences at numerous schools in Connecticut and New York, and he recorded an oral history as part of the Veterans History Project Digital Archive of the Central Connecticut State University Center for Public Policy & Social Research.
He was a graduate of Driggs and Crosby High School (Waterbury, CT). He obtained a B.S. degree in education from Central Connecticut State University and a master's degree in educational administration and supervision from the University of Hartford. He was a beloved teacher, vice principal and principal in the Waterbury School system, including Barnard, Driggs, Bucks Hill, and Wendell Cross Schools. He also worked at the United States Post Office in Waterbury. His love for children of all ages was evident not only as a teacher and school administrator, but as Program Director and Head Counselor at Camp Jolly (Cheshire) and as Executive Director of Camp Laurelwood from 1971 – 1984 (Madison, CT). Throughout his life, thousands of children benefited from his teaching, guidance, coaching, and mentorship. He heard frequently from students, campers, and counselors with whom he formed lifelong friendships. He also served on the board and as vice president of the ARC of Waterbury and later as the Executive Director from 1986-1999.
His love for basketball started as a varsity basketball player at Crosby High School and Central Connecticut State University. He was a Certified Basketball Official and refereed at the high school and collegiate levels. He was a member of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference, served as President of the New Haven District Board, Connecticut Board, and International Association of Approved Basketball Officials and was appointed an honorary lifetime member in 1977. In 1980-1981, he was appointed to Governor Ella Grasso's Committee to study violence in sporting events in high schools and colleges. He was active in the Waterbury Special Olympics Program and was honored for this work. He received numerous awards, including the Jim Spann Waterbury Laurels Award, Hall of Fame Award from the New Haven Tap-Off Club and, in 2017, was inducted in the Hank O'Donnell Hall of Fame (Waterbury), where he was acclaimed as "Waterbury's Ambassador to the World".
Over the course of a century, he touched countless lives with his warmth, wisdom, humor, song, and love leaving behind an enduring legacy and a life truly well lived.
Services will be held Sunday morning, August 17, 2025, at 10:30 am at B'nai Jacob Synagogue, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge, CT, with interment to follow at B'nai Jacob Memorial Park at Wintergreen Cemetery, New Haven. Shiva will be held after the funeral from 2 – 5 pm at the JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge, and Monday, August 18, 2025, and Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 1-4 pm and 7-9 pm at The Towers, 18 Tower Lane, New Haven.
Contributions in Norman J. Feitelson's memory may be made to Camp Laurelwood Scholarship Fund, 463 Summer Hill Road, Madison, CT 06443, The Towers at Tower Lane, 18 Tower Lane, New Haven, CT, or the charity of your choice.
The Robert E. Shure & Son Funeral Home, New Haven, is in care of arrangements. To sign an online registry book or to leave a message of condolence, please visit, www.shurefuneralhome.com .