Obituary of Norman "Bruce" Chambellan

June 29, 1940 – June 30, 2025

Norman “Bruce” Chambellan, 85, of Washington, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025 — one day after celebrating his 85th birthday.

Born June 29, 1940, in Teaneck, NJ, Bruce was the son of the late Quentin and Margaret (née Seip) Chambellan. A lifelong resident of Washington Borough, he graduated from Washington High School in 1959 and worked at Oxford Textiles, dedicating over 37 years to the company. 

In 1989, Bruce married the love of his life, Sandy (née Dean) Chambellan. Sharing decades of companionship, laughter, and adventures where he and Sandy enjoyed traveling throughout Vermont and Pennsylvania. 

Proudly calling himself a “Ford Man,” Bruce had a passion for classic Ford cars. His first car was a 1946 Ford; he owned a variety over the years, with one of his favorites being his white Mustang.

As an avid collector of antique milk bottles, he enjoyed browsing flea markets, finding milk bottles from the many farms of Warren County and the surrounding area. Embracing his Washington Community and faith, he was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church in Washington and also attended the Washington Alliance Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy Chambellan; son, Edward Chambellan; and step-son, Karl Snyder; step-daughters, Sherri Tomek and her husband Richard, and Karen Inglese and her husband Mike; sisters, Lorri Schaumberg and Linda LaBoy and her husband Joe; nieces, Patricia Fu, Kathy Grebenchinko, Mary Connor, and Erica Schaumberg; granddaughters, Brianna and her husband, Garrin, and Leeanna; step-grandchildren, Adriana, Sara, Paige, Jenna, and Jacob. Bruce was predeceased by his sisters, Caroline and Nancy, and brother-in-law Ted Schaumberg.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 7th at 12:00 PM at Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 142 West Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Washington Alliance Church, an organization close to Bruce’s heart. Please click here to donate

Bruce will be remembered for his devotion to family, his steady spirit, and his love of simple treasures. His memory lives on in the hearts of those who loved him.