Obituary published on Legacy.com by Tasker Funeral Home - Dover on Feb. 27, 2025.
John Norman Norton, 78 years of age, resided in Effingham NH. John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on February 19th, 2025, at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in
Dover, NH.
Born in Portsmouth, NH on August 5th, 1946, he was the son of James Norton Sr. and Alethea (Spinney) Norton.
John graduated from Traip Academy in Kittery, Maine.
He was an accomplished tradesman. Early in his career he worked in the HVAC field. He spent most of his career as a carpenter, including establishing his own construction company.
John's greatest joy in life was home and family. He enjoyed get-togethers with the family and spending time at home. John loved spending time at the family camp in Maine. In his earlier years he enjoyed snowmobiling, flying a Cessna 150 plane, fishing, mud flat clamming, ice fishing, riding on his Vespa and in his vintage Jaguar and GTO. With retirement he found a new interest in cooking, board games, off-roading in his Jeep, and as always his time spent at home.
John was preceded in death by his parents James Norton Sr. and Alethea (Spinney) Norton and his brother-in-law Gregory Rivers.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife Carol Norton of Effingham, NH; Daughters Tina Norton of Fullerton, California, Sherley Mann of Alton, NH and her husband George Mann; Grandchildren Ashley Mann of Alton, NH, Nicholas Mann of New Durham, NH, and Nathan Mann of Alton, NH; Great-Granddaughter Luna Mann; Siblings James Norton Jr. and wife Barbara Norton of East Hampstead, NH; Jacqueline Rivers of Kittery Point, ME and Jason Norton of Lyman, ME; Brother-in-law James Abrams and partner Clairette Binette of Kittery, ME; Niece Bonnie Norton and nephews Bill Norton, Matthew Norton, Mark Norton, Tony Rivers and Jonathan Rivers; and his "Third Daughter" Mercedes, affectionately known as "Miss Sadie" the Cairn Terrier.
At John's request there will be no services. For online condolences, visit www.taskerfuneralservice.com. The family has shared some of our fondest memories that have brought us some comfort during this time.
John was the love of my life. Together we raised two beautiful daughters, who have made us so proud and whom we love so much. John loved his family and home. He often said, "everything that I need or want is right here". John's wants and needs were simple He was an avid reader, he loved back roading in the jeep, driving his John Deere, going to camp, watching the Boston Celtics and old movies, enjoying wildlife and all animals, creating computer calendars and cards and get-togethers with family and friends. John was an honorable, honest, humble, hardworking and very loving man who always put others first. Through the years, he helped many family members and friends with projects, as he was very proficient in the trades. John was a great man, who will be forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. I have so many precious memories John, I will always love you and carry you in my heart forever.
Carol
It is such a time of sorrow with the passing of my dad. He was a pillar of strength for our family and friends and will be sorely missed. He was a strong, generous man and was always willing to help others. Dad spent numerous hours categorizing pictures, making personalized cards, yearly calendars and DVDs which meant so much to all that received them. It is comforting to have those mementos of him. I loved and cherished the fun times at the Sandwich Fair, Clark's Trading Post and the family camp in Maine.
Love and miss you Dad, Tina
Some of my fondest memories of my dad are helping him with all of his building projects as I grew up. Ice fishing (freezing), cutting, hauling and stacking wood. All of these things I came to know, were a privilege. To learn the value of hard work. I remember always asking my dad for help with my homework. I didn't need the help, I just enjoyed that time with him. I am pretty sure he knew it but indulged me. I remember riding in the back of the plane with my dad thinking how amazing he was to be a pilot. My dad is the epitome of strength, intelligence and integrity.
Love you Dad, Sherley
In Grampy's retirement years, he discovered his love of cooking. He even stopped eating out at most restaurants, because he could do it better. Before too long I'd call him "Grampa Ramsey" (wordplay of Gordon Ramsey). He loved the name!
-Ashley
I remember as a small kid I was trying to show Grampy the way to Chuck E. Cheese in the car. Of course I had no real idea of how to get there, but he kept taking my direction and driving around aimlessly for me.
-Nick
I always loved going to my Grandparent's home just to spend time. Grampy and I had a mutual interest in video games and technology. He'd always ask me about my computer setups and other technology related topics. He could always find something to talk about.
-Nathan
Luna loved visiting her Great Grampy and often referred to him as the "Milkshake Man." He would make her milkshakes when she visited. When she found out that he had passed she inquired if he had taught anyone how to make the milkshakes.