George Arthur Yelle, 85
Dateline: Norton, MA
George Arthur Yelle, of Norton passed away at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Needham on June 17, 2023, after a long illness at the age of 85. Born in 1937 in Taunton, he was a lifelong resident of Norton. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Janet L. (Eisnor) Yelle for 49 years.
George worked in the local jewelry industry for many years before retiring from Triad Industries in 2000.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his siblings Donald Yelle and his wife Mary of Norton, Albert Yelle and his wife Nicholina of Deland, FL, Debra ( Semas) Titus-Lorray and her husband George Lorray of Middleboro and Nancy (Semas) Neville and her husband Steve of Marion. He was predeceased by his father Albert Yelle, his mother Pauline (King) Semas, and his stepfather Joseph Semas. He is also survived by his loving cousins and nephews.
George was passionately devoted to preserving the history of his beloved hometown of Norton, serving as the president of the Norton historical society for 16 years, and the neighboring Mansfield historical society for 3 years. He was also active in the historical societies of the neighboring towns. He took a particular interest in collecting and curating all manner of local photographs, documents and other items relevant to the local area. He also extensively researched the genealogy of his descendants and those of his extended family, highlighting their accomplishments and lives.
George was the official town historian and was quoted in the local Sun Chronicle newspaper as “the encyclopedia of Norton history.” He also served on various town committees (cemetery, land preservation, historical) for many years.
George co-authored the book “Images of America: Norton” with Ruth Gould. He was interviewed by the Ghost Hunters television program for a story on Norton’s haunted history, and by the BBC/England for a program on England’s sister city of Norton.
George was a communicant at Saint Mary’s Church in Norton and in recognition to his many years of community service, a bridge at Great Woods in Norton was dedicated in his honor and at the Norton Historical Society building, the George Yelle Archives Room.
His Funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Thursday, June 22nd at 10:00 A.M. In Saint Mary’s Church, 1 Power Street, Norton. Burial will follow at the Norton Center Cemetery in Norton.
Visiting hours are omitted and in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in George’s memory to the Norton Historical Society, P.O. Box 1711, Norton, MA 02766.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp Street, Norton.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com