
Obituary of Norman T. Telaak
Norman Telaak was born on January 26th, 1932, in Buffalo, New York, to Theodore Telaak and Cornelia Lauth, alongside his dear brother Donald.
With his brother, they ran Telaak Distributing Corp. while also taking over the family business from his father, National Appliance Services; the two companies would eventually consolidate. He was an intelligent businessman who always wore a suit to the office and changed his clothes to work in the warehouse. His children have many memories of him tying his necktie every morning with pride to start another workday. Norman was Mr. Fix-It and a Jack of all Trades regarding repairs and projects. He was skilled at electrical and mechanical projects. He always taught all his children how to be prolific in this field.
Family life started when Norman met his wife Audrey while walking on Bailey Avenue; he had a blue convertible that caught her eye. Together they shared 70 years of a beautiful marriage with five children: Norman, Debbie, Kim, Cindy, and Sandy. Their family would grow into the addition of 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. The family started their early years in West Seneca, where Norman was a firefighter for some time; he always talked about wanting his own fire engine. They would raise their family in the Hoover Beach Community in Hamburg, New York, for about 20 years. Norman adored being part of this close-knit community where he helped build the community center and enjoyed the neighborhood’s family-like atmosphere. When repairs needed to be made, all the men would band together to help each other while the women would make big meals for everyone to share. The grandchildren enjoyed their Sunday tractor rides to take the bins to the road down the long driveway with him. After Norman passed away, they took a few tractor rides in his honor.
He had a strong faith and was involved in St. Francis Church, and enjoyed volunteering at their picnics every year. Later in life, Norman and Audrey would become snowbirds and loved to travel to places like Hawaii, Hong Kong, and more. Throughout his life, he always kept a sparkling sense of humor, telling jokes and dressing up to get laughs, especially as Superman or sporting his Tuxedo shirt. Even though he was quiet, he always remained kind and gentle.
Norman will be remembered for his unforgettable personality and the legacy he left his children, never to be afraid to try something new.
Telaak, Norman T. of Derby, NY passed peacefully on July 29, 2022, surrounded by family. Devoted husband of Audrey Telaak for 70 years; beloved father of Norman G. (Deborah) Telaak, Deborah (Pat) Cappara, Kim Telaak, Cynthia McShane, and Sandra (Randy) Fisher; loving grandfather of Andrea, Kristen, Jesse, Brooke, Kelly, Becky, Lisa, Melanie, Alicia, Melinda, Randy, Angel, Amanda, Nathan, and Rich; cherished great-grandfather of 21 great-grandchildren; caring brother of the late Donald Telaak; also survived by nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Friends and family to be received Tues. 8/2, 4-7 PM at LAKESIDE MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC. 4199 Lakeshore Rd. Hamburg, NY 14075 716-627-2919. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wed. 8/3, 10 AM at St. John Paul II Church. Please assemble at church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association and Hospice Buffalo. Online condolences and donations can be made at www.LakesideFuneralHome.com.
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Mass of Christian Burial
Lakeside Memorial
Funeral Home, Inc.
4199 Lake Shore Road
Hamburg, NY 14075
Phone: 716-627-2919
Fax: 716-627-6346
info@lakesidefuneralhome.com
Lakeside Memorial
Funeral Home, Inc.
1340 Union Road
West Seneca, NY 14424
Phone: 716-674-5776
Fax: 716-627-6346
info@lakesidefuneralhome.com
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