Norman Vincent Teklinski, Jr.

Norman Vincent Teklinski, Jr.
11/18/1943-12/2/2024

It is said that “people die but legends live forever” and this will certainly be true of the legend known throughout Pittsburgh as “Norman”.
Norman Vincent Teklinski, Jr., died peacefully at home on December 2, 2024. A friend to everyone he ever met, he was known around town as “Norman”, “Stormin Norman” or just “Norm”. Whether you knew him from the Bluff, the Theme, Upper St. Clair youth sports, 1902 Landmark Tavern, the Viking Lounge, the New Living Room, “the track” or from Primanti’s in the Strip, you knew that Norman defined the space he occupied. Never giving a second thought to bringing customers, celebrities or people he just met to holiday meals (without warning), he made strangers into family. Norman embodied the belief that there is always room at the table to pull up another chair. The scrapbook of Norman’s life is a chronicle of historic events rivaled only by Forrest Gump…just ask who he was with for the Immaculate Reception and you’ll get the point. Regardless of the number of relationships he juggled, Norman made everyone feel like they were the most important person. He was the great social equalizer, showing up to Bob Evans or Mar-a-Lago with the same unaffected authenticity and effortless elegance. If only the scrapbook actually existed – oh the memories he took to the grave!

Though Norman was a force, “Norman and Diane” became the moniker of a couple whose magnetic charm enchanted all who were lucky enough to be in their company. Together, they projected a regal yet down to earth presence in a way few have ever managed. Norman died in Diane’s arms, after 57 adventure-filled years of marriage. While Parkinson’s disease ultimately took his life, it could never dull his spirit. Norman lived and died on his own terms, his final gift to Diane, on her birthday, was reclaiming his vibrance in a place where it will be unmarred by time.

Norman was born in Pittsburgh in 1943 to Norman Vincent Teklinski, Sr. and Concetta (Lapia) Golden, who gave him his love of family, friends and food. Born in Lawrenceville then raised in Uptown and Overbrook, Norman graduated from Carrick High School before beginning a storied career in the restaurant and horse racing businesses. Wherever Norman went, good food, good cigars and good friends followed. Despite the mathematical impossibility of anyone having so many “best friends,” it invariably seemed to be true when he’d say his infamous claim: “I know him real good, he’s one of my best friends.”
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Richard Golden, step-mother Agnes Teklinski, sister Cecilia (Orlando) Ciaffoni, his in-laws Mary and James McCann Sr., brother-in-law James McCann, Jr. and so many other friends, family and dogs beloved to him and Diane. Heaven has a new host and we should all expect a big smile and puff of cigar smoke when we get there.

Norman’s love of friends was surpassed only by his love of family. He is survived by his beautiful wife Diane; son Marc, his wife Robin; twins Kara and Kristi (Stephen Mansfield); grandchildren Emily, Sophia and Luca Teklinski. Norman is also survived by his brothers Patrick (Becky) Golden and Reverend Father Robert (Peggy) Teklinski of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church of East Pittsburgh as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Guests will be received at a memorial visitation 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Saturday 12/7/24. Service to follow at 4:00 PM. Both at PIttsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care 3287 Washington Road, McMurray PA 15317. Bring a story or share a memory to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a legend.