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ALEXIS NORTON Obituary


Brother ALEXIS NORTON, S.T.  
Died peacefully after a long illness on Saturday, November 17, 2012, at Sacred Heart Home, Hyattsville, MD. Brother Alexis, a native of Brooklyn, New York, served in the U.S. Navy in WWII. In 1950, he joined the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, an order of Catholic Priests and Brothers. Most of his years as a member of the missionary order were spent in financial management; in 1973, he was appointed chief financial officer, a position he held until 1999. A member of Alcoholics Anonymous - which he happily admitted to all, he was known over a wide area of the eastern U.S. for his work with 12-step programs as a spiritual guide, retreat director, and personal counselor. Brother Alexis was predeceased by his parents, James and Mary Rabbit Norton, and five siblings. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. Viewing will be held at St. Luke Institute Chapel, 8901 New Hampshire Ave, Adelphi, MD, on Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m.; with the wake service at 8 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Luke Institute Chapel on Wednesday, November 21, at 10 a.m. In memory of Brother Alexis, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Missions (memo line: Br. Alexis Memorial Fund), Father Judge Missionary Cenacle, 1733 Metzerott Road, Adelphi, MD 20783.www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com  

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Nov. 19 to Nov. 20, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for ALEXIS NORTON

Sponsored by In loveing memory of Brother Alexis Mark and Barbara Rew.

Not sure what to say?





John f Kenney

November 13, 2024

Just remembering Brother´s infectious laughter. Even his laugh had a Bronx accent. Pray for us Alexis and say hello to Roger for us.

John f Kenney

November 13, 2023

I just quoted Brother at a meeting two days ago. If you love someone tell them now. Silent love isn´t worth a d____. Brother Alexis you will live forever in my heart along with your loyal sidekick Father Roger.

Frederick G. Sahli

November 13, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Chris Fisher

November 13, 2023

I think of him just about every day and try to give back to others what he so freely (and joyfully) gave to me-

John f Kenney

August 25, 2022

S.T. Is the religious order Alexis belonged to. Servants of the Most Holy Trinity.

Frederick G. Sahli

August 25, 2022

You've been a wonderful example of selfless living one day at a time.

Joseph Berry

August 23, 2022

What does "S. T." stand for at the end of his name ?

JohnSmith

November 13, 2021

Loving thanks to Brother Alexis. Still sober after seven years.

Frederick G. Sahli

November 13, 2021

Let us all keep the memory of Alexis close to our hearts.

Fred Sahli

February 12, 2021

Dominus vobiscum Alexis.

Roger Norton

November 13, 2020

Was a great person. Uncle. Brother.

Billy Connolly

January 2, 2018

Alexis was first person to reach out his hand to help me when I was struggling, when I met him when I walked, broken, into a meeting and he took me to my first detox, became my counselor of sorts and friend, helped inspire me and helped save my life. A humble man, tough, witty, good-natured, a New York young man, a sailor about to marry, he told me, before becoming a brother, we had many talks and lunches/dinners with friends in Maryland. I just mentioned him yesterday, at a meeting. He was a selfless giver, sharer, a man of God, a good Christian. I was born in South Boston and coincidentally the founder of his order the Missionary Servants was a Father Judge, (I recall) from South Boston, although the society's headquarters was in Mississippi.

Bill McCaffrey

July 1, 2016

Alexis was my sponsor and spiritual guide who scheduled our get togethers on Fridays at the home for lunch. Seemed Friday lunch was Crab cakes. Wow no wonder I loved the guy. Loved his stories.

John F Kenney

September 16, 2015

This weekend I am going to attend my annual Matt Talbot retreat. It got me thinking about Brother Alexis and Father Roger who many times made the long drive out to Priestfields in West Virginia. Father Roger always did the driving and the first time I asked them to lead the retreat Father Roger confused Charleston West Va. with the real location of Charles Town. Our holy travelers arrived in the wee hours of the night having completely missed the Friday evening sessions. We all know what state we would have been in yet these two holy men picked up the next day like they had not skipped a beat. God Bless them both. Another occasion I was asked to record a CDA event way over on the Maryland coast. This fledgling movement of young people (like me) were having a conference they wanted recorded. In walked Brother Alexis who they all knew. I asked Brother Alexis how he became involved with this group and was astounded by his answer. He was very much unlike the closed minded old timers I had come to know. He was the living embodiment of our Lord, loving all those who wanted and needed His love.I see many names in this guest book that I recognize and am grateful to be able to have known dear Brother Alexis in this life and look forward to reuniting with him and so many others in the next.

John Smith

December 17, 2014

I have just discovered a most moving and motivating recording of Father Alexis, which is still on youtube. Even from the grave, this remarkable man has the power to bring comfort and light into troubled lives. Long may he continue to do so.

Paul B.

May 26, 2013

Bro. Alexis had a giant influence on me while living in D.C. in the mid-80's. He was never too busy to say just the right thing to help me out in a jam or just to say a few words in general, which made everyone around him feel better even if they were already feeling good. I'll never forget his contagious upbeat attitude and low-key sense of humor. If I can even partly follow his example of service by the way he reached out to others, I'll be doing darn well. To use his words to describe him, he was "a great good man". He certainly was.

Carl J.

May 26, 2013

One of the great ones from the metro DC area. He helped me enormously. RIP Brother Alexis.

Nelson Rupp

December 5, 2012

Thank you, Brother Alexis, for your gift of unconditional love, peace and serenity. You were the most influential man in my life. I love you.

Mark P

November 22, 2012

Brother Alexis,
Though I never met you, your words - in print and recorded - helped guide me in early recovery. More than that, they helped reveal the joy that awaited me if I kept my side of the street clean, and reached out to help others. God Bless you and I believe we will meet one day. Until then.
Mark P.

Ann Fisher

November 21, 2012

I was saddened to learn of Br. Alexis' death and know that I wouldn't be able to attend his Mass because I am in CA. I was blessed to have known him for the twenty-five years, I worked at the MPO - but only really got to know him in the last year he was physically in the office. We talked a lot of his time in WWII and of his family in NY. It was a special bond that I will treasure forever. God bless you, Brother, and I know you are really at peace and enjoying eternal life. I will always remember our conversations and your presence in my life.

Cecilia Archer

November 21, 2012

Brother Alexis was an extra ordinary person, who helped so many by his message and example.His retreats and laugh were wonderful to remember.Alexis,You are now leading the BIG Meeting in the Sky!Thank you for your help!

Joni Rothgeb

November 21, 2012

Alexis' love and support meant so much to our family through Ronnie's final months with us. I know, like so many others, theirs was a very special relationship. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brother Alexis, family and friends.

Chris Fisher

November 21, 2012

Brother Alexis was my first sponsor in 1989 and words cannot convey what he meant to me. I quite simply would not be the man I am today if not for Alexis's love, prayers and fellowship. All the way with AA Brother A.....all the way!

Richard Benchoff

November 21, 2012

A favorite Brother Alexis anecdote of mine... A newcomer repeatedly kept asking Brother Alexis, "Why me" Why me? Why me?" Finally Alexis replied, "It's because your mother wore polka-dot bloomers! Now that you know why, what are you going to do about it?"

Here was a man who truly personified the word serenity. May he rest in peace.

Duran Field

November 20, 2012

Dear Alexis, You will always be alive in my memory thinking of you in all the great meetings we have attended together sharing your wonderfully healing messages! Love, Duran

Uncle Tommy with his brothers Marty and Bill 1989

Mary Ellen Norton

November 20, 2012

What a dear human being. You were so much to so many. I sit here and read all these caring remarks from all the people you have helped guide with your kindness and experience. Your work was always helping others. I wonder how just one man can touch so many hearts and lives. A very special one, and it makes me so proud to call you "My Uncle Tommy" Rest Peacefully.

Kathy DeMaria

November 20, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Adele Abrams

November 20, 2012

Thanks for your help and inspiration over these many years. You'll be missed!

November 20, 2012

Twice i needed help with issues that took over my daily thoughts. both times i called my Uncle. you know him as Bro Alexus. I called him uncle Tommy. my Uncle came thru both times and helped me move on to better thoughts. thanks Uncle.. Roger

Robert Askew

November 20, 2012

I'll always be grateful for the day he helped me expand my spiritual horizon .....

Ilana K

November 20, 2012

What a wonderful power of example you will be missed as much as you were cherished

Steve M

November 20, 2012

Sponsor, Best Friend, Dad, Little Brother, Big Brother, Bad Driver, Love, Patient, Kind, Friendly, Litterbug, Fun, Always A Smile, Best Man at My Wedding
Counselor, Crabmeat, Would Not Eat His Vegetables, Disney Movies, Annapolis MD, THE GREATIST MAN EVER
I LOVE U BROTER
I Know U Will Be Holding The Door For Me When I See U Next

Gerard Norton

November 20, 2012

Boe Alexis,thank you for being Uncle Tommy

Eddie

November 20, 2012

a year ago I walked into Saint Alexis room @ Sac Heart Home and sat - a minute passed when someone else I knew walked in and sat with us(Bob H) - a minute passed when Bob said, Eddie Bother Alexis thinks everyone's going to Heaven, I've tried to straighten him out on this but can"t get anywhere, what do you think? Before I could say a word, Bro Alexis turned to me and said - Eddie you have two son's, Mike and Eddie right - Can I ask you a question before you address Bob's, of course I responded, he then simply asked " How much do you love your Children - I pawsed, and them began, I love my children with all of my heart, I really would jump in front of a bullet to save their life, I really would, I'm going to say they haven't hurt me, let me down or turn their back on me but I'm humanly incapable of not Loving or Forgiving my children - then, this just came out, you know-tomorrow if one of my boys robbed two banks and shot someone I would still love them, and if after they did what they had to do they called and asked if they could come and stay in the house for a short period of time until they got there life back. You know I proboly would let them back in the house. I'll never forget what followed - Bro Alexis smile and turned to Bob and said "Bob, if this redneck from sunny southern Maryland(inside joke) is capable of this kind of Love and Forgiveness, who are you to think God isn't capable of that-trust me God's going to let us all back in the House." Simplisity is the greatest teacher

John Hartnett

November 19, 2012

Thank you "Lex" for sharing your earthly journey with us all. You're a blessing my friend. I am so grateful God placed you and your friends into my life. But now this journey only has one joining you. May your soul ever rest in His Loving Spirit. Be at peace my friend.

Paul Reyes

November 19, 2012

Thank you for the blessing of your message. Rest in God's Grace.

Stacey F.

November 19, 2012

Brother Alexis lead the first retreat I ever attended in recovery. I won't forget his powerful message of living life with a higher purpose. Rest in peace, you'll always be in our hearts.

Thomas Carr

November 19, 2012

May God bless and keep Brother Alexis as his heavenly reward for enriching the spiritual lives of all he touched while he was on this earth. Brother Alexis was truly a man of God for whom we shall be forever grateful. Tom Carr and Jane Gardner

at a November retreat 1998-99?

Perry Gaidurgis

November 19, 2012

Thank you Brother Alexis, I love you, I love you, I love you

Carole Magee-Turner

November 19, 2012

Dearest Alexis, you touched so many of our lives with your kind & gentle wisdom & words. I can see you leading that big meeting in Heaven now. Love you forever, we will meet again someday up there! your friend, Magee T.

Linda Deringer

November 19, 2012

It was an honor to have known you. Your words will live in my heart forever.

Brother Alexis

Andrew Moore

November 19, 2012

Alexis was a pillar of the fellowship. He helped so many change their minds about God. By his words and deeds. I came to know there is a God who really loves us. Andrew Moore Takoma Park, MD

Mark Saunders

November 19, 2012

Alexis, a gift from God for all, especially alcoholics.

Dana Romano

November 19, 2012

Alexis, spiritual advisor, friend, and the person who let me know “Silent Love and Silent Gratitude aren't worth a damn! If you're grateful say it! Show it! If you love someone, tell them so …. TODAY! NOW!” Alexis I love you! But you know that because you taught me to say it many years ago. Thank you my friend; rest is peace.

Mike & Peg McAusland

November 19, 2012

Brother Alexis was such a warm and caring man and touched our lives so positively - we shall miss his friendship, humor, hugs and wise words.

Dennis H.

November 19, 2012

Alexis - my first program contact and sponsor. I'll never forget you. You gave me a gift that I will forever thank you for. Be at peace.

Jim Money

November 19, 2012

You are in heaven with the rest of the old-timers from the Brookland Group...

John Hinze

November 19, 2012

Mourning the passing of a dear friend and mentor, Brother Alexis Norton, whom for many will be remembered for his great gifts of love, compassion, understanding and wisdom to all those he encountered along his way. RIP Brother Alexis.

Audrey Stanton

November 19, 2012

Alexis,I will always remember you. Having known you will always be so special.

Barbara Philpott

November 19, 2012

Thanks for your help in the AA group!

Mike Saling

November 19, 2012

I love you, I love you, I love you. The kindest man I ever met, who provide a foundation for my life and countless others.
May you finally rest in peace Brother.

God Bless...

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