Norman "Noike" Bial, a resident of Delray Beach, FL, formerly of Chelsea, entered into rest at age 84 on February 17, 2008 after a long illness. Norman was the beloved husband of 61 years to Gertrude (Florence) Bial.
The son of the late Morris and Esther (Bornstein) Bial, Norman was born and raised in Chelsea where he attended the Chelsea Public Schools and graduated from Chelsea High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942, and served with the Headquarters Squadron 13th Air Force Service Command. He was stationed in the Pacific Theater, where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Stars, and the Victory Medal. After completing his military service, Norman began his lifelong career in the furniture and upholstery industry. Like his father before him, Norman crafted furniture designed to last a lifetime. Norman was well known and respected by his many colleagues on Canal St. in Boston, where he owned and operated Bial Upholstery Company. When Noike and Gert relocated to Florida, he expanded his artistic talents to ceramics. He took special pride in gifting his dear family and friends with unique pieces crafted with as much love as talent. His love of the arts further extended to classical music and opera. He was also a talented bowler and card player, who proudly taught his children and grandchildren both the fundamentals and a few secrets. Norman was a member of the Knights of Pythias, where he served as Chancellor Commander of the Roosevelt Lodge. As Commander, Norman excelled at raising funds to purchase CPR training dolls which were then donated to local organizations. Noike will always be remembered for his unique sense of humor, genuine kindness towards others, and zest for life. Above all, Norman was devoted to his family and treasured the time he shared with those most precious to him.
Norman will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 61 years, Gertrude (Florence) Bial; his children, Louis Bial and his wife Dr. Deborah of Fort Lauderdale, Roberta Pinta and her husband Howard of Andover, Scott Bial and his wife Lisa of South Hamilton; his grandchildren, Dr. Erica Bial and her husband Todd Chapin, Lauren Schneider and her husband Eric, Jennifer Pinta, Matthew Bial, Adam Bial, Natalie Pinta, Jason Bial, Jack Bial, and Julia Bial; his great-grandson, Jacob Schneider; and his sisters, Bertha Rovner of Delray Beach, FL and Roselyn Feldman of Banning, CA.
Funeral services will be held in the Torf Funeral Chapel, 151 Washington Ave (Cary Sq) CHELSEA on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 12:00 Noon. Rabbi Howard Kosovske will officiate. Burial will follow in Sharon Memorial Park. Memorial observance will be held at the home of Roberta and Howard Pinta, 20 Hemlock Rd. Andover, MA through Friday afternoon. Those wishing to remember Norman may do so through memorial donations to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave. 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851. For online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at www.torffuneralservice.com