Benjamin Craner Norton Jr.

Norton, Benjamin Craner
November 8, 1920 - January 2, 2010
The Honorable Benjamin Norton passed away peacefully on January 2, 2010 at the age of 89. He lived a long and colorful life serving as Beverly Hills City Councilman from 1980 to 1983 and as the city's 58th Mayor in 1983-84.


The Nortons were members of the First Century Families, descendants of the pioneers who settled Los Angeles. They were one of the earliest Jewish families in California arriving in the 1850's.

Ben graduated from Third Street Elementary School, John Burroughs Junior High, and Los Angeles High School, before recieving his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from USC.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and at age 22 was named commanding officer of a LST amphibious landing ship. He delivered troops, tanks, and equipment under enemy fire during the invasion of the Palau Islands, before serving as port director of Shanghai, China under Admiral Joy.

In 1946 he returned to civilian life as president of Norton Brothers and Morris, a textile business organized by his father in 1904. In 1955, Ben founded his own professional business consulting firm specializing in commercial real estate and municipal bonds.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rose Norton, two sons, Ben Norton III of Las Vegas and Phillip Savenick of Los Angeles, as well as Suzanne Hertfelder who was "better than a daughter". We thank his compassionate caregivers Francis and Sam.

Per his wishes, there was no service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or remind someone how much you love them.