Name: Visitation for Charles A. Kelman
Start: 2022-07-08T13:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-07-08T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford

Charles A. "Chick" Kelman, 82, of Wallingford, died Monday, July 4, 2022. He was the loving husband of the late JoAnn M. (DeRoy) Kelman. Chick was born in Meriden, October 9, 1939, the son of the late Harold and Lillian (Hewitt) Kelman. He retired as a Supervisor from the State of CT D.O.T. He was an active parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Parish where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a coordinator of the parish's Bereavement Ministry. As a child, Chick's fascination with magic and entertainment began to foster. He trained tirelessly to become an accomplished magician, clown and all-around entertainer, ultimately becoming known as "The Wizard of Wallingford". His shows brought countless smiles to local residents. He not only enjoyed performing magic, but also teaching his skills and tricks to young future magicians. He was a member and Past President of the Society of American Magicians both locally and nationally. Chick was also an avid N.Y. Yankee's fan and a self-proclaimed wine enthusiast. He effortlessly made friends everywhere and dedicated his life to bringing joy to others. He is survived by his children, Pamela Reed of Georgia, Kristine Kelman of Meriden, Daryl Kelman (Sandra Viglione) of Wallingford, Kevin Kelman of Rocky Hill, and Ashlie Kelman of Wallingford; his grandchildren, Danny, Alex, Ryan, JoAnn, Austin, Avery and Emily; his sisters, Gertrude Heft and Ruth Kelman of Wallingford; and many nieces and nephews. Chick's family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., on Friday, July 8th from 9 to 11am when the funeral cortege will proceed to Most Holy Trinity Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am. Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford. Gifts in his memory may be sent to: Thomas R. Prete Memorial Scholarship for the Arts c/o Michael Gagne, Committee Chairperson, 59 East Side Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492. www.wallingfordfh.com

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

Published by The Record-Journal from Jul. 7 to Jul. 8, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Kelman

Sponsored by Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford.

26 Entries

Marlene Clark

October 15, 2022

Chick was my mentor and for many years a close friend.

I met him on a Sunday afternoon in the 1980s - we were working as clowns performing walkaround and shows at a company picnic at Mountainside in Wallingford. I was new to the business, and he said I should attend a lecture the following week in Stratford. So I did. Later, he suggested I join the magic club he belonged to, S.A.M. Assembly 127 in Wallingford. Thus began a lasting friendship that included after-meeting coffee sessions at Dunkin´ Donuts and many phone calls, where we discussed, magic, performing, business decisions, our latest shows, and life.

After my husband died in 1995, Chick helped me come up with my business name and convinced me that I didn´t need to hire him or other magicians to do a job that I could do, myself. "Take off the damn clown makeup!" he said. So I did.

Chick´s desire to help his family and friends influenced everything he did. I´m blessed to have known him.

My prayers continue to go out to his family, who have lost a wonderful man.

Rest in Peace, Chick.

Terri Palmer

July 27, 2022

I've just heard some sad news today... well I sure will remember all the great times I had with Chick and Joanne... I used to love when I would go over to their house and he just couldn't wait to show me his newest trick... always left there mind boggled asking myself... how did he do that? He, My friend Chick will be truly missed... my Mom always would call Chick to entertain us with his awesome magic every cookout we would have... fast forward..years later and I'm still mind boggled... what a nice Man... rest in peace and give Joanne a hug from me... you will be missed you funny guy...

Annette Ritter

July 18, 2022

Chick was truely a great man, He did alot for many expecting nothing in return. Always smiling .Hanging at Dunkin with his Croonies and taling care of Family, He will be Missed by so many! ❤ Annette Ritter - Young

Michael Gannon

July 13, 2022

From the days when Joanne and "Chicky" came to parties on Long Hill Road with my brother Denis, we have admired his talent, kindness and concern for the young people who loved to watch him.

Chick and I had some "magical" lunches together...I used to tell him that I think of him every time I see a "Chick" Fil-A. So we went to one together in 2017. I miss you already, Chick. RIP.

Jeff Provost

July 11, 2022

Just heard the sad news of Chick’s passing and I miss my old magic friend already. We would talk magic (especially kid-show & the family type) every so often, usually over a meal. Katz’s Deli in Woodbridge was our favorite magic meet-up (he would come down from Wallingford and I drove up from Fairfield) as we both loved their chopped liver. Goodbye to one of the sweetest guys in the state of Connecticut. Our 25+ year friendship (going back to the “new” Oakdale Theatre opening in ‘96) will live on forever in my heart. RIP now Chick.

Vida Allen

July 10, 2022

a dear friend who will be sadly missed for his caring and laughter. we love you,Rev. Earle n Vida Allen Jr.

Peter Gouveia

July 10, 2022

Our most sincere condolences to Trudy, Ruth and the entire family of Chick. I knew that it was inevitable. Nonetheless it was still a shock. I’m so sorry for your loss, and that I just got to know him really well I the last 7 plus years.

I just paid my last respects to my friend Chick Kelman who died after a short, but sadly painful and difficult illness. Just like his father, Skinny Kelman, whom I met in 1983, Chick was a jokester. I remember, as if it was today, when he said that he was probably the first Jew who would be buried at St. John’s Cemetery. They both loved life, loved people and were very helpful to their fellow men. I knew of Chick since I first met my deceased wife in the summer of 1966. His sister Trudy was Lydia’s lifelong friend and Lydia told me many times about Trudy having two siblings. Chick who was 10 years older thanTrudy and Ruth who was 10 years younger than she. We watched Chick at least a couple of times doing his magic show. Once at least at the MHTC picnic. It wasn’t until 2015 that I really met Chick. Lydia died then from cancer and I was very depressed with her passing. So much so that I attended the Bereavement Group at MHTC. The leader of that group was none other than Chick. We became almost instantly good friends. Many days we spent time after the bereavement sessions talking outside of the building about the mysteries of life, how we have to embrace faith, and that faith is the only thing that will save us. Needles to say, Chick helped me a great deal and he encouraged me to become a Eucharistic Minister at MHTC just like him, which I did. Well, my friend, you have already learned of what we talked about outside of the building after the bereavement sessions. Thank you for how much you helped me see God’s will. You were one of God's angels on earth. Until I see you again.

Bonnie Church

July 9, 2022

I went to say how very sorry iam for your loss I meet Chick at very Sad time in my life I had just lost my husband so I went to the bereavement group at Holy Trinity and was welcomed by this sweet man named chick this group was such a great group of people that we became good friends I will always remember him for his sweet smile his kindness his magic tricks he was a great man and will be greatly miss my heart goes out to his family at this time you are all in my thoughts and prayers ❤

Mike and Lisa McCann

July 8, 2022

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He certainly did bring smiles to many faces. We enjoyed over the years being neighbors and visiting the bunnies and talking with him.

Gabriel Ramos

July 8, 2022

My prayers and deepest sympathies are with You all at this trying time. He was a friendly and fun person. We shared the same nickname "Chick"

Joanne Austin Stevens

July 7, 2022

Ruthi, Trudi and families: Chick was an entertainer, for sure. Nice guy overall and am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Stephene Hench

July 7, 2022

To the Kelman Family, so sorry to read of Chick’s passing. My husband, Cliff, and I were your next door neighbors in the 1990’s. You even did your magic tricks at one of my grandson’s birthday parties! Cliff passed on 2/14/20, and if I remember correctly, you & JoAnn were married on Valentines Day? May your family find peace. Ms.Stephene Hench, and family

Marjorie Ferreira

July 7, 2022

met you when we lived on Tremper Drive and you helped Tony get the job with the State..you were always a caring person and always smiled no matter what.Rest easy and keep on smiling down and making everyone happy!.those hat teicks were always great!!!

Eric Krawczyk

July 7, 2022

Chick, you are the entertainer! You've done so much for me throughout the years and I will truly never forget you. I hope you are in a better place getting to entertain all of the angels.

Kristine Kelman

July 7, 2022

Dad I'm going to miss you like crazy you are my hero, there was nothing you wouldn't do to help me out, give mom kisses and hugs from me. I love you more than words can say

Antony Natle

July 7, 2022

With deepest sympathy and prayers to Kevin and all of the Kelman family
Tony Natle
Condolences from everyone @ Star Distributors as well.

Kathy (DiPersio) Puffe

July 7, 2022

My sincerest condolences to the Kelman family - I knew him through my brother Tom (Garth) and all the fun events we worked together at Mountainside - Chick always had a smile for everyone and in turn could make everyone smile.

Paul DiLella

July 7, 2022

Chick was one of the best friends a man can ever have. I found out last night and I still can´t stop shaking in disbelief. Even though I live in SC, I tried to communicate often with Chick. Not often enough. I loved Chick Kelman. He will be greatly missed. But I´m a better man for having known him. RIP dear friend.

Paul Celotto

July 6, 2022

So so sorry for your loss sending prayers to you and your family

Sandy Braccioforte

July 6, 2022

So sorry for your loss. Your dad bought so much joy to all the kids in the neighborhood who had the pleasure of seeing him perform through the years

Tracy VISSICCHIO

July 6, 2022

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Was a great family friend of the Picky Balogh family .We will cherish all the memories made.

Our deepest sympathy to all of chick's family.
The Balogh and Vissicchio family.
Tracy & Diki, Jill,Scott, Lauren and families.

Constance Ancheta

July 6, 2022

Will never forget the great times we had in the Keys(looked forward every year for his visit) We went through a lot In our years as cousins, WILL NEVER FORGET.!!!!!!!!!!! Give JoAnn a kiss from us.

Eric Krawczyk

July 6, 2022

Closer you’re in a better place now I know you are here with your wife and your family I hope you remember good times in the bed are you we had a lot of good times together take care

Patti Correia Cascio

July 6, 2022

Ashley, I am so very sorry for your loss, He loved you so much, may you keep all the beautiful memories in your heart , he will always be with you , and now he is with his beautiful wife❤

Deb Kelleher

July 6, 2022

Dear Ruthi and family, the Kellehers are so very sorry for your loss. May his soul be on God's right hand
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Kathleen Malone

July 6, 2022

Such a great guy! Pa...I will always remember him with a smile. Arms always open wide , come on in and sit down... Chick its been my pleasure. Take a bow my friend. Say hello to Bunky Pa
Love Kathleen Malone and tribe

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