Obituary of Norman E Kelapire

It is with great sadness that the family of Norman Kelapire notify you of his sudden passing on September 10, 2023, after a brief illness.

Norman was born in Washington Heights on April 13, 1942, to parents Ernest and Kostandina, and raised within the Albanian Community with his brother George and sister Dorothy. Attending Aviation High School, he took great pride as a National Guardsman and working at Lockheed on Airforce 1 as an airplane mechanic.  In 1966, after a yearlong courtship, he had the honor of marrying the love of his life Helen Belliveau.  Staying close to their families, they built a life of travel and adventure, eventually settling in Floral Park. Norman was a loving son, husband, father, father-in-law, friend, and proud grandfather.  He is survived by his wife Helen Kelapire of 57 years, his son Andrew (M. Angela) of Huntington, NY, his daughter Dina Tesoriere (M. Joseph Tesoriere) of Massapequa, NY and five grandchildren, Ryan, Douglas, Zander, Naomi, and Eden.

Throughout Norman’s life, he worked at many companies, and as an entrepreneur, he realized he had a knack for sales and brokering deals. Eventually starting Andina, his own gold company and later, Helen Andrews importing and exporting precious metals, his success continued to grow, and he took great pride in working together with his children in a family business.

Norman’s success allowed him the opportunity to support various charities and nonprofit organizations, including Jewelers for Children, SPIRIT of Children and of course, MaryKnoll Missionaries.  In his business he was able to employ many Albanian immigrants as they hoped to pursue their dream of living in the United States.

Norman had a kind spirit and loved throwing a good party.  He was passionate about harness horse racing and enjoyed owning many throughout his life.  He was at his happiest watching his grandchildren play sports, football Sundays, fishing with his grandsons, or spending time on the beach in Florida with his family. He was also passionate about traveling, having been to many countries around the world. Quick to start a conversation, he has friends that he met as a world traveler that he kept in touch with for many years.

Norman will be greatly missed, and as we remember how many lives he touched and his impact on so many, we are comforted knowing that he is with our Lord, and we will one day be reunited with him.

Wake: Friday September 15^th 4-8pm

Park Funeral Chapels

2175 Jericho Turnpike

Garden City Park, NY

Funeral: Saturday Sept 16^th 9:30 am

St Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church

18114 Midland Pkwy

Queens, NY 11432

Interment: Cypress Hills Cemetery

833 Jamaica Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11208