Obituary of Hjalmar S. Norell Jr.

Hjalmar S. Norell Jr., age 88, of Trumbull, beloved husband of the late Ruth Margaret Jankowski Norell, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022 with his family by his side. He leaves behind his two daughters, Nancy Norell Zarrella and her husband Christopher and Nicole Norell Lay, his three cherished grandchildren, Oliver Ingraham Lay, Meredith Margaret Lay and Owen Hjalmar Lay, sister Marilee Wright and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Natalie Norell Kozdeba, a sister, Lily Mae Kalafus and brother-in-law, Joseph P. Jankowski Jr.

Born on July 25, 1934 in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Hjalmar Sr., and Lillian Norell. He was the founder and operator of Norell Builders. Along with his wife Ruth, they built their home, raised their three children and we are an integral part of the village of Nichols community for over 60 years.

A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Hjalmar was a member of the Nichols Volunteer Fire Department for 57 years. He gave unconditionally to the department, serving as past Chief, Commissioner and dedicated his time wherever he was needed. He was a parishioner of Nichols United Methodist Church where he served the parish in various capacities. Hjalmar was also a past member of the Shriners and Free Masons.

Above all else in life, Hjalmar was a dedicated spouse, and loving father and grandfather. He relished the time he spent with his three grandchildren. He found great joy observing his three grandchildren excel on the athletic fields, exceed in academics and most importantly, fulfill him with an abundance of laughter. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Nichols United Methodist Church, 35 Shelton Rd., Trumbull. Interment with military honors will follow in Nichols Village Cemetery, Trumbull. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Thursday morning from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nichols Volunteer Fire Department, 100 Shelton Rd., Trumbull, CT 06611.