SALEM - Norman H. Cheney, 78, of Salem, husband of Donna A. (Doucette) Cheney, died Monday morning, June 25, 2007 in the Salem Hospital following a long illness.
Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Herbert S. & Elizabeth (Doucette) Cheney. A resident of Salem for most of his life, he was a graduate of Salem High School in the class of 1947.
Mr. Cheney worked for the First National Stores, Walbar, Inc. in Peabody, and at Stanley Brothers in Beverly, from which he retired in 1992.
He was a professional clown for many years, going by the name Co-Co the Clown. He was a member of Clowns of America, Greater Boston Alley 54 in Salem. He worked for the Ringling Brothers Circus and helped establish the former Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, which operated from 1968 to 1997.
Mr. Cheney loved antiques and flea markets and was an auctioneer.
Besides his wife, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage, he is survived by two sons, Kevin & his wife Tammy Cheney of Amesbury, Todd A. Cheney of Charleston, SC, one sister, Joan Phillips of Peabody and many nieces and nephews.
He was a devoted father and husband and loved all the people around him.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, from 4 to 8 pm and will be concluded by a prayer service. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. For those who desire, donations may be made in his memory to either the Northeast Animal Shelter, 204 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970, or to the Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, PO Box 808, Hudson, MA 01749. For on-line guestbook and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.