Robert L. Norton of Gales Ferry, CT passed away September 8 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. He was born in Wantagh, NY and was the son of Vivian and Helen Beitel Norton DeWilde. He studied machine design and worked at Bell Telephone Labs, NYC, until his enlistment in the U.S. Army Air Corps on his 19th birthday. He flew Martin B-26 Marauder medium bombers in Europe with the 394th Bomb Group from January to May 1945. When the war ended he flew courier missions to various cities in Europe during the occupation. Bob returned to the United States in April 1946 and remained in the U.S. Air Force reserve.
Bob met the love of his life, Doris Annette Savastio while visiting in Bethlehem PA. They were married November 15, 1947, and their first son was born June 1950 when the Korean War broke out.
Bob was recalled to active duty with the U.S. Air Force in August 1950. He went through phase training in the Douglas A-26 ground attack bomber at Langley AFB, Virginia. He then joined the 3rd Bomb Wing based at Iwakuni, Japan in January 1951. He flew 52 missions in Korea during 1951. After his 32nd mission he was assigned temporary duty as a Forward Air Controller with ground forces (the 27th British Brigade) for two months. He then returned to his unit. He flew 20 more missions to complete his assignment.
When Bob returned to the US just before Christmas 1951 he was assigned as a squadron adjutant at Bolling AFB, Washington DC and remained in the Air Force Reserve until he retired in 1972 with the grade of Captain.
His awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and 8 Air Medals. He remained in the Air Force Reserve until he retired in 1972 in the grade of Lt. Colonel.
In civilian life he worked as an engineer for Grumman Aerospace Corp. 1955-1960, Avco Corp. 1951-1967, Perkin Elmer Corp. 1965-1970 and Electric Boat from 1971-1988 when he retired. He then pursued his life long interest in organic gardening. He and his wife were blessed with three children: Gary, Jeffrey and Carol and three grandchildren –Joshua and Holly Norton and Stephanie Lussier. He leaves his wife, children, grandchildren, daughter-in-law Nancy and his sister Ancele Wauters of Mt. Holly NJ. All of us how love him will miss his wonderful sense of humor and bright presence.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 4pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made to CT Hospice, Inc. Homeport Cove, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford CT 06405.
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