Robert Michael Norton

Robert Michael Norton, 81, of Marshfield, Massachusetts, died Thursday, December 4th, in Pembroke, surrounded by love, song, and dad jokes.

"Rob" or "Bob" was born on March 11th, 1944, to Helen and Michael Norton in Boston. The baby of the family, he was adored by his parents and four older siblings, Shirley, George, Jeanne, and Patricia. Rob grew up in Roslindale and attended Catholic Memorial High School, a proud member of their first graduating class in 1961. He went on to receive a Bachelor's Degree from Stonehill College and a Master's from Boston State College, focusing on math education.

As a teacher, "Mr. Norton" made an impact on innumerable students during his decades-long career, starting at Xaverian Brothers in Westwood, the former Dearborn School in Roxbury, and then for over 30 years at Hanover Middle School, where he taught math and computers. After retiring in 2002, Bob worked at the UPS Store in Cohasset followed by The Marshfield Hills General Store from 2007-2020.

Bob had a passion for music that never waned; he was a member of numerous bands throughout his life, and a devoted member of the North Community Church choir through early 2025. A true entertainer, he never met a microphone he didn't love, and he delighted in speaking off the cuff and making people laugh at every opportunity. He also enjoyed acting as part of the Bay Players Community Theater for many years (roles include Prince Dauntless in "Once Upon a Mattress," Captain Keller in "The Miracle Worker," and Pseudolus in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," among others.)

Bob loved Cape Cod, where he and his band had performed in his young adulthood. He also loved Lake Winnipesaukee, where he spent many summers in his youth and as a parent. He was a fan of the Celtics, the Patriots, the Minnesota Twins (it's a long story), and everything his daughters did.

A lifelong animal lover, Bob had labrador retrievers throughout his life whom he loved tenderly. He was gentle, thoughtful, open-minded, and an early advocate of feminism and the LGBTQ+ community. He made all friends feel like family, and had a repertoire of character voices at the ready for any children he encountered. Bob was also thrilled to welcome son-in-law Zac into the family in 2024.

Bob was a kind and generous person, always going out of his way to help people, whether by visiting a friend in need, offering to run errands, or simply bringing a glass of water from across the room. He had an innate ability to understand others' emotions and gave great comfort throughout his years.

Among his passions for teaching, music, and sports, was a deep enthusiasm for a good bargain, a good joke, and making sure everyone was warm enough. His greatest joys in life, however, were his girls: his wife of 41 years, Sheila, and daughters Amy and Caroline, who all loved him immensely. They will forever carry with them a lifetime of memories and laughs.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Helen and Michael Norton, sister Shirley Judge, brother-in-law Leo Judge, and brother George Ray.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sheila Lipson of Marshfield, daughters Caroline Norton of Los Angeles and Amy Norton-Benfield of Waltham, son-in-law Zachary Norton-Benfield of Waltham, sisters Jeanne Mankus and Patricia Norton, both of Alton Bay, NH, sister-in-law Margaret Ray of Quincy, a whole lot of nieces and nephews, grand- and great-grand- nieces and nephews, and friends who feel like family.

In his final five months, Bob lived at Bridges by EPOCH in Pembroke, where he greatly appreciated the excellent care, kind staff, and near-daily live music.

Family and friends will honor and remember Bob's life with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at North Community Church in Marshfield. Burial will take place in a private ceremony with the family.

For online guest book, driving directions to the church and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com