Norman Shabel's Obituary
Norman Shabel passed away gently into the night January 31, 2026, two days after his 89th birthday. He was a lion most of his life, worthy of the name “Stormin’ Norman.” Growing up in Brooklyn and finding a way to exit his impoverished surroundings, he played basketball for the University of Hawaii and other universities. Norman was honored as a little All American Basketball player. Later, he found ways to be in the spotlight as a trial lawyer in Burlington County, New Jersey, where he won several class action cases, a novelist of several books and a playwright of several plays; one of which was off-Broadway.
Norman never would admit defeat-even when he lost a legal case. He would appeal and ultimately win something for his client. His toughness was contrasted by the emotional tenderness expressed in his plays. The family will miss his stalwart presence and shield of protection. Norman was truly a “force” and a very special man.
Norman is survived by his wife of 63 years Arleen, his son Dan, daughter-in-law Kathryn, grandchildren Wyeth, Samara, Amanda and great-grand-daughter, Lorelai, his brother Jack, and sister-in-law Jennie.
Funeral services will be held at Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapel, 18840 West Dixie Hwy, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Shiva will follow at the Shabel apartment in Aventura.
Additional funeral services will be held at Platt Memorial Chapel at 2001 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, in Cherry Hill New Jersey on February 9th, Monday at 10:00, and then laid to rest at Locustwood Memorial Park Rt 70 Marlton Pike West in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Shiva will follow at the Shabel residence.
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