Norman Champlin Jr.

1928 - 2015

Norman Champlin, Jr.

Cold Spring - Norman Champlin, Jr., age 86, a lifelong resident of Nelsonville and Cold Spring, died on Monday, August 3, 2015 at Wingate at Beacon. Born in Cold Spring, NY, on September 11, 1928 he was the son of the late Norman and Mabel (Mekeel) Champlin, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Rose J. (Newkirk) Champlin.

Mr. Champlin was a graduate of Haldane High School, Westchester Community College and was an Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Philipstown and a life member of Philipstown Lodge # 236 F. & A. Masons. Norman was a well known local blacksmith and welder with a business in Nelsonville. His father and grandfather had a blacksmithing, horseshoeing, and wagon making business at the same address. Norman's skill in metal work was legendary. People often commented that "he could make anything". He was a man of few words with a great sense of humor and a gift for storytelling. He was a devoted family man and will be remembered by his children, grandsons and nephew for the challenging and adventuresome treasure hunts he created for them. His handiwork can be seen in the many local iron railings and the replica of the Parrott gun displayed at the Cold Spring waterfront.

Survivors in addition to his wife include two daughters, Karen Chiappini of Wayne, NJ and Dale (David) Meck of Hyde Park; one brother Raymond (Anne) Champlin of Cold Spring; three grandsons Michael Meck of Baltamore, Mattew Meck of Hyde Park and Christopher Chiappini of NJ; one nephew Jon Champlin of Cold Spring and his children Michael and Matthew.

At the request of the family all funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Donations in Mr. Champlin's name have been asked to the First Presbyterian Church of Philipstown, 10 Academy Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516.

Arrangements are in the care of the Clinton Funeral Home, Cold Spring, NY.