NORTON BELKNAP Obituary

BELKNAP--Norton. The Trustees, dancers, and entire Paul Taylor Dance family mourn the loss of former President Norton Belknap. Inspired to join the Board after seeing Taylor's "Arden Court" in 1981, Norton became the longest-serving trustee (1984-2020) in the Taylor Company's history, after Mr. Taylor himself. As President from 1993 until 2008, he led a period of exponential growth. We have lost a champion who devoted his time, energy, love, and fortune to ensure that we flourish. We will dearly miss his clear- eyed leadership, generosity, warmth, and enthusiasm, and offer heartfelt condolences to the Belknap family.

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Published by New York Times on Sep. 16, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for NORTON BELKNAP

14 Entries

David Kitto

September 10, 2024

I still
Think of Norton to this day and the extraordinary experience I had working with him and the Carnegie Hall staff.

May God bless him.

Edward Ehinger

October 1, 2021

I was a lowly drudge at Carnegie Hall in 1987 working on the Campaign for Carnegie Hall, the restoration campaign. Mr. Belknap occupied the director's suite around the corner from my humble desk. He often passed by in the hall.

One afternoon, on his way back from some business, he turned back in the hall and approached my work place. He said, "I spent some time in Australia, and a fellow there I had often seen but never met came up to me and said, 'We've howdeyed but we ain't shaked"

He offered his hand and said. "I'm Norton Belknap." I introduced myself. I have never forgotten that moment, or the man. What a mensch he was.

The Williams Family

September 11, 2021

Dear Belknaps,
Our family sends you love and warm thoughts today.
Your Dad and Mom loved you all and were so proud of all your accomplishments. We hold them both in our thoughts. Mom sends her best wishes to you all. Annie (for the family)

Frank Zapata

March 19, 2021

I worked for Mr. Norton Belnap at his residence from, 1994 to 2004 as the handyman for the Coop. Mr. Belnap was a an excellent employer and a friend. We always talked about my experience in the Army and his in the Air Force, of caurse, decades in between.

My deepest condolences to the Family.

Susi Denk Romney

September 28, 2020

Our neighbor for almost 50 years! We still miss our dear Mary and now her beloved Norton has gone to join her. Sending love and prayers to you all during this time.

Susanne Denk Romney

September 28, 2020

Our neighbors for almost 50 years! We still miss our wonderful Mary and now her beloved Norton has gone to join her. Thinking of you and sending love and prayers to you all. With best wishes, Susi and Alan Romney and Ruth Denk.

janice aubrey

September 24, 2020

Norman Belknap was a true gentleman and one of the best bosses I ever had. I was his Executive Assistant during that historic restoration of Carnegie Hall and couldn't have been more thrilled than to be there for him in those days; he had a way of making me feel truly valued. Norton was quiet in his ways and I learned from him that one can be "in charge" and still be quiet about it. As a woman conductor, I'd never learned that important lesson prior to meeting him. Thanks to Norton's mentoring my career went much more smoothly after my days with him at Carnegie Hall! It's sad to know that he's gone but am terribly pleased that by coincidence, in recent months, after many years, I'd had an occasion to catch up with him again in a phone call. It was a treat. I won't ever forget how he changed my life. AND, when I left his office to do a Broadway tour he threw a marvelous goodbye party for me -- proudly serving some of his very best wine. Thanks Norton!

David Kitto

September 21, 2020

Norton Belknap had a great influence on my career and management style. He was direct, kind, thoughtful, and provided intelligent guidance.
I am indebted to him for his confidence in me which took my career places it might not have gone.

Though I had not seen him in many years, he remains in my heart.

Simone Taylor

September 20, 2020

My sincerest condolences to your family for the loss of your loved one, Please except my deepest sympathies.

Daniel Smith

September 18, 2020

Sending my deepest condolences to Norton's family and friends. As a member of the Met Opera Chorus, I'm thankful to have met Norton through the Met Opera Club. He was such a kind gentleman. Inquisitive and genuine, he was always interested in the inner workings of the opera, and attended every event we sponsored. On behalf of the Met Opera Chorus, we extend our love to the Belknap family.

Kristin Kovner

September 17, 2020

Norton was a truly great man, kind to everyone and so welcoming. I loved seeing him at the MOC — and knew if he was there we were in for a fun evening! My deepest condolences to Randy and you all. He will he missed.

Annie Williams (for the family)

September 17, 2020

Sending our deepest affection and loving thoughts to Paula, Barry, Randy and the rest of the Belknap family. We will always treasure the special memories we shared in the time we spent in Japan! Nancy especially is thinking of you and sending her love to each. We know Mary will greet him wherever he is traveling next. He loved and lived his life to the fullest.
Affectionately, Annie Williams (for the family)

Dr Robert Davis

September 17, 2020

The death of a titan.
There will be an empty seat in the front row of the orchestra when the curtain is next raised at Lincoln Center.
Have a quick and peaceful passage my friend.

Howard Schranz

September 17, 2020

Condolences to the Belknap family. For many decades, Mr. Belknap was an essential supporter of NYC performing Arts, Artists, and education, most notably the Paul Taylor dance Company.

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