Obituary: Charles A. 'Chick' Kelman; ‘The Wizard of Wallingford’

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Charles A. “Chick” Kelman, 82, of Wallingford, died Monday, July 4, 2022. He was the loving husband of the late JoAnn M. (DeRoy) Kelman.

Chick was born in Meriden, October 9, 1939, the son of the late Harold and Lillian (Hewitt) Kelman. He retired as a Supervisor from the State of CT D.O.T. He was an active parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Parish where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a coordinator of the parish’s Bereavement Ministry.

As a child, Chick’s fascination with magic and entertainment began to foster. He trained tirelessly to become an accomplished magician, clown and all-around entertainer, ultimately becoming known as “The Wizard of Wallingford.”

His shows brought countless smiles to local residents. He not only enjoyed performing magic, but also teaching his skills and tricks to young future magicians. He was a member and Past President of the Society of American Magicians both locally and nationally.

Chick was also an avid N.Y. Yankee’s fan and a self-proclaimed wine enthusiast. He effortlessly made friends everywhere and dedicated his life to bringing joy to others.

He is survived by his children, Pamela Reed of Georgia, Kristine Kelman of Meriden, Daryl Kelman (Sandra Viglione) of Wallingford, Kevin Kelman of Rocky Hill, and Ashlie Kelman of Wallingford; his grandchildren, Danny, Alex, Ryan, JoAnn, Austin, Avery and Emily; his sisters, Gertrude Heft and Ruth Kelman of Wallingford; and many nieces and nephews.

Chick’s family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., on Friday, July 8 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. when the funeral cortege will proceed to Most Holy Trinity Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford.

Gifts in his memory may be sent to: Thomas R. Prete Memorial Scholarship for the Arts c/o Michael Gagne, Committee Chairperson 59 East Side Drive Wallingford, CT 06492.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.