John Hall Norton, 94, passed away peacefully on Nov. 7 at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta, Maine surrounded by his loving family.
He was born August 21, 1917 in Wallingford, Ct., the son of Henry Austin and Ellen Hall Norton. He graduated from the Choate School ’35 and Yale University in 1939. Upon graduation he started working at the Wallingford Steel Company before joining the Navy. He received officer training at Princeton University, Norfolk, and Panama City. Responsibilities included delivering troops and supplies to the Mediterranean, making landings in North Africa, Anzio, and Southern France as well as supporting the war effort in the Pacific. He took a brief leave to marry his wife, Caroline Hemingway, on March 17, 1945 and celebrated their 66th anniversary this year. Returning to his Naval responsibilities he was sailing toward the Philippines when V-J day was declared.
Upon returning to Wallingford he remained at the Wallingford Steel Company for over 40 years, retiring in 1979. He was a director of the Dime Savings Bank as well as a founding director of the Independent Day School in Middlefield, Ct. In 1980 he and Caroline moved to Bremen, Maine where he was an active member of the Lions Club and West Waldoboro Community Church for many years. Picnics on the islands, tennis, fishing, and bird hunting were some of his favorite pastimes.
John was devoted to his family and adored by his children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Caroline, and son John Norton, Jr. John is survived by his son Jeffrey and his wife Rebecca of Bremen, Maine; Paul and his partner Patrick of Greenville, Tennessee; daughter Ellen and husband Chuck of New Gloucester, Maine. He had 3 grandchildren, Jack Norton of Camp Stanley, South Korea; Laura Kolarkova of Kurim, Czech Republic; and Matt Norton of Waldoboro, Maine; 3 great grandchildren, and 25 nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful to the Chase Point staff for their wonderful care these last 5 years and to Bayview Scheduling for the extra special care these last 3 years.
A graveside service to celebrate John’s life will be held at Brookland Cemetery Route 220 South in Waldoboro on Friday November 18, 2011 at 1 O’clock in the afternoon. Hall funeral Home is caring for the family. In memory of John donations may be made to The Philippian Fellowship Po Box 213 Bremen, ME 04551 and the Nature Conservancy Maine 14 Maine St Suite 401 Brunswick, ME 04011. You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com