Jonathan Harwood Norton

Jonathan Harwood Norton of Bolton, CT, husband of Janice (Rodrigue) Norton, passed into eternal life on October 6, 2024, at age 62. Although born in Bristol as one of four children, he settled in Bolton in 1997. In Bristol, he worked at his family's business, Lake Compounce Amusement Park, from 1977 through 1984, where he rose to the position of park manager. He was a graduate of St. Paul's High School in Bristol. He was awarded a Bachelor's degree in accounting from Boston College, Boston, MA in 1983, where he enjoyed a position as Director of Operations at WZBC AM/FM, the radio station on the college's campus. After graduation, Jon led an exciting career as Controller for the Sheraton Corporation in hotels located in New York City, Philadelphia and Hartford; Sheraton Bradley International Airport Hotel in Windsor Locks, CT; the Hastings Hotel and Conference Center; Norwich Inn and Spa; and then as Regional Controller for the Waterford Hotel Group. He transitioned to the Goodwin Hotel, where he was promoted to General Manager and met several prominent people, including President Bill Clinton and the Rolling Stones. Subsequently, he became Vice President of Finance for the Ocean House in Westerly, RI in 2008. Upon completion of that project, Jon entered his final position as Chief Financial Officer for Omar Coffee Company in 2011, where the founder was like a second father to him. During his tenure there, his hard work, innovation and success were recognized by CV Magazine, which named him 2017 CFO of the Year in the United States. Jon remained working at Omar Coffee until his final days.

In addition to his 40-year career, Jon was professionally active throughout the state. He was Cofounder of HFTP, the CT chapter of the professional organization for hospitality finance and technology people. He served on the executive board as treasurer for HFTP and for the CT Lodging Association. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a parishioner of St. Teresa of Calcutta (St. Bridget's) church in Manchester, CT. Every fall, when he wasn't hiking or walking with Janice, he was competing in his fantasy football league with his well-known team, the "Road Warriors", always hoping for another championship season!

Although Jon enjoyed so many professional accolades, he was proudest of his daughter, Alexandra, and all of her educational achievements at such a young age. He was so happy to attend her graduation from the Long Island School of Veterinary Medicine this past May, where she fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.

Jonathan is survived by his wife and best friend, Janice L. Norton; his daughter, Dr. Alexandra Norton of Bolton; his sister & her husband, Elizabeth & Dana Foster of Harwinton, CT; his brother & his wife, Daniel and Vita Norton of West Newton, MA; a sister, Juliet Norton of Bristol, CT; a sister-in-law, Karen Maidlow of Okemos, MI; a Godson; a Goddaughter; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Carolyn (Hoch) ("Carrie") and J. Harwood ("Stretch") Norton.

Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center Street in Manchester on Thursday, October 24th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 25th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Church, 80 Main Street in Manchester, followed by burial at East Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.

With that, Jon leaves us with the words of "Kansas" - "All we are is dust in the wind"! Jonathan Harwood Norton