WORCESTER-Blair L. Norton, of 21 Pleasant Valley Drive, a retired electrician and former Worcester newspaperman, died Sunday, June 19, Father’s Day, surrounded by his family. He leaves his wife of 24 years, Margaret A. (Crotty) Campbell, two daughters, Suzanne Norton of Worcester and Amy McIntire of Oxford; five sons, David B. Norton of Mashpee, Joseph F. Norton of Paxton, Peter A. Norton of S. Grafton, Sean P. Norton of Virginia and Michael L. Norton of Paxton.;a stepdaughter, Mary Leroux of Worcester, and a stepson, George Campbell of Shrewsbury; five granddaughters, seven grandsons. He also leaves his former wife, Barbara A. Norton of Charlton and a brother Lawrence J. Norton of Oregon.
Mr. Norton was born in Charleston, WV, son of Joseph and Pauline (Lytle) Norton. He served four years in the Navy as a radioman during the Korean War. He was a graduate of Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, with a journalism degree. He was a reporter and copy editor for the old Worcester Telegram in the 1960’s and wrote a column on local politics in the Sunday Telegram for several years. He was project director of the Elm Park Urban Renewal Project in the 1970’s. He also worked for several electrical contractors locally and for a machine tool rebuilding firm in the Bramanville section of Millbury. He was an avid fisherman and beer drinker and hung around the Eden Restaurant for more than 30 years. He will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.
The funeral will be Thursday, June 23 from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle Street with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln Street. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Wednesday, June 22 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or contributions may be made to N.E.A.D.s of Princeton, P.O.Box 213, W.Boylston, MA 01583.