Obituary of Ralph-B. Norton

FAIR HAVEN - Ralph Burton Norton, 90, a lifelong resident of Fair Haven, died Wednesday evening, May 18, 2011, at Rutland Regional Medical Center after a long illness. Ralph was born December 28, 1920, at his parents' home in Fair Haven, the son of the late Burton H. and Marion (Davy) Norton. Ralph graduated from Fair Haven High School with the class of 1938, and furthered his education at Bay Path College in Massachusetts, graduating with an Associate Degree in Business. Immediately upon his graduation from college, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was a veteran of WWII, having served in North Africa and the Pacific. After being honorably discharged, he returned to his hometown of Fair Haven, and joined his mother in the day-to-day operation of their family business, Norton Hardware. Ralph eventually became the sole proprietor of the family business, which he continued to operate for several years until his retirement. After his retirement, he worked part-time at the Pro Shop at the Prospect Bay Golf Course in Bomoseen. Ralph was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church UCC of Fair Haven, and a member of the American Legion Post 49 in Fair Haven for sixty-six years, where he had served as Post Chaplain for the past several years.  He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, M. "Beebe" (Dammers) Norton, and his son, David W. Norton, both of Fair Haven. At the request of Ralph's family, there will be no visiting hours or funeral services at this time. Ralph's family requests that in his memory, please offer your prayers and consider doing a good deed for someone less fortunate. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Durfee Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Fair Haven.