John Hall Norton, 94, of Bremen, passed away peacefully on Nov. 7 at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Aug. 21, 1917 in Wallingford, Conn., the son of Henry Austin and Ellen Hall Norton. He graduated from the Choate School in 1935 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, Conn. In 1980 he and Caroline moved to Bremen, 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 sons Jeffrey and wife Rebecca of Bremen, and Paul and partner Patrick of Greenville, Tenn.; daughter, Ellen and husband Chuck of New Gloucester; grandchildren, Jack Norton of Camp Stanley, South Korea, Laura Kolarkova of Kurim, Czech Republic, and Matt Norton of Waldoboro; three great grandchildren, and 25 nieces and nephews.
Graveside service to celebrate John’s life, 1 p.m., Fri., Nov. 18 at Brookland Cemetery, Rt. 220 South in Waldoboro.
Donations in memory of John 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
Hall Funeral Home is caring for the family.
