Norman Chimenti

It deeply saddens us to report that Norman Victor Chimenti, age 83, died peacefully on April 7, 2024, surrounded by family after being ambushed by a rare and fast-moving form of cancer. Norm was born in Chicago, IL on September 18, 1940 to Dante and Laura (Magrini) Chimenti of Chicago. He is survived by his sons, Derek and Chad; daughters-in-law, Marybeth (Marszewski) and Katie (Lynch); and his grandchildren, Savanna, Dante, Madeline and Siena. Norm was a man who never remained still and gave the greater part of his life to his wife Barbara Jean (BJ), his children, grandchildren and all the people whose friendship he deeply cherished

Norm spent his early years on Chicago’s west side, moving further west when it became time to attend Hinsdale Township High School. Norm inherited a good mind and a strong body from his parents. These qualities enabled Norm to excel academically and athletically in high school, graduating in 1958. His athletic prowess was remarkable. Norm was named to the Illinois High School All-State Football team, Prep All American Football team, and was a fixture on Yale’s offensive line. Norm was even drafted by the AFL’s Boston Patriots but chose a career in law instead. Well played Norm! His academic life was just as fruitful. Norm graduated from Yale University with honors earning a B.A. degree in behavioral science in 1962 and a place in a “secret club” at Yale that has never officially existed and shall remain nameless here. After graduation he became a Sergeant in the Marine Corps, serving on active duty in 1963-64, and in the Active Reserves until 1968, while simultaneously attending Yale Law School graduating in 1967. 

In March 1965, Norm encountered his future bride BJ on a TWA L-749 Constellation flight from New York to visit his parents in Chicago. This unbreakable bond shined for 55 years before BJ

was taken by cancer. Most of Norm’s legal work involved labor law and environmental law. Over the many years, he practiced law at Kroehler Manufacturing Company, Bulkmatic Transport Company, Martin, Craig, Chester & Sonnenschein, and continued into his 80’s at Clausen Miller Law Firm. Norm was appointed by Governor Edgar to the Illinois Small Business Assistance Task Force and continued to serve as a Special Assistant Attorney General to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. 

Norm’s childhood summers were never spent in stagnation. He spent 2 months of every summer at Camp Mishawaka in Grand Rapids, MN. A place that dramatically contributed to his healthy, well-rounded mind and body. Norm returned to this special place decades later, with his Ivy-league talents in tow, where it was his turn to fortify Camp Mishawaka’s health to ensure the world has a place where kids may continue to thrive in balance. BJ’s & Norm’s cherished family, sons Derek and Chad have always been delightful reproductions of their parents. Different mixtures of attributes, but so many familiar elements on display. Through Derek & Marybeth, there are two grandchildren. In Savanna there resides a fair amount of Norm’s resolve to encounter life with respect and preservation for wildlife and the environment. Dante, on the other hand, loves to use his brain creatively and sort out the mysteries of life. Through Chad and Katie, there are two more grandchildren. Madeline’s competitiveness makes her a determined college hockey player while Siena’s welcoming nature currently has her leaning toward the theatre.

Philanthropy – a consistent theme of Norm’s life – was the source of many of Norm’s lifelong friendships. Simply put, Norm was driven by a belief that each of us deserves an honest shot at a purposeful fulfilling life. He has made contributions and rendered legal service to a number of not-for-profit organizations. Suffice it to say that if it was good for this world, our country, his community, and held at least the possibility that he could get some time on the stage, he was all in. Norm co-founded the Community House Players community theater group in Hinsdale and was central to the creation of Hinsdale’s Community Revue and starred in its productions for twenty years. As a swan song he established the BJ Chimenti Angel Fund for Veterans and Pets  at Hinsdale Humane Society. Norm’s interment will be private. A memorial service celebrating Norman’s inspirational life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Norm’s name to Hinsdale Humane Society for the BJ Chimenti Angel Fund for Veterans and Pets Program, 21 Salt Creek Lane, Hinsdale, IL 60521 or https://tinyurl.com/HHS-Norm-Chimenti-Memorial.

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