Colonel Gary Joseph Norton, USA (Ret.)

BANGOR - Colonel Gary Joseph Norton, USA (Ret.), who served his country with honor and his family with love and devotion, passed away at the age of 82 on September 21, 2025, at the Maine Veterans' Home in Bangor, Maine.

Gary was born in Huntington, New York, on June 5, 1943, to Raymond F. Norton and Catherine E. (Welch) Norton. At the age of 5, Gary began a lifelong love of Holbrook Pond in Maine, where his parents with Maine roots purchased a summer place. As an adult, that love deepened when he bought his own camp and land on the lake. His faith was also formed in his youth when he chose Saint Michael, the archangel of protection, as his patron saint. In his later years, Gary was a devoted member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Bangor.

Gary grew up on Long Island in New York as an only child and graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 1961, where he enjoyed dancing and was known as a formidable competitor on the dance floor. He went on to attend the University of Maine in Orono, where he received the University of Maine Distinguished Military Cadet Award his junior year. In 1965, he graduated cum laude as the University of Maine Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Government.

Following college, Gary entered the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant and was sent to Ft. Benning, Georgia, where he excelled in paratrooper training, receiving his jump wings in 1965, and further attended infantry school. From January 1966 to December 1967, he was stationed in Germany. In January 1968, he was promoted to Captain and sent to Panama for jungle warfare training before deploying to Vietnam for a tour of duty.

Gary landed in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, one of the most intense chapters of the war. In life and death, he consistently placed loyalty to his comrades above all else. His fighting spirit was evident in countless moments, including running through heavy enemy fire to rescue the wounded. For his extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, Gary was awarded the Silver Star Medal, three Bronze Star Medals, the Army Commendation Medal and the Air Medal. Gary devoted over 30 years to the United States Army, serving six years on active duty and 25 years in the Army Reserve, where he retired as Colonel.

Gary attended the University of Maine School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 1974. For 30 years in Bangor, working with various law partners, he maintained a general practice in civil law, focusing on real estate, commercial transactions-litigation, bankruptcy, and family matters. Gary also gave generously of his time, serving on the Boards of Directors for both the YMCA and the American Red Cross. Supporting his sons' love of hockey, he served as President of Bangor Youth Hockey and Vice President of Friends of Bangor High School Hockey.

Gary held a deep love for the University of Maine, where he gave generously over the years, donated treasured items, and proudly supported Black Bear athletics as a devoted season ticket holder of the hockey team.

Known for his steady generosity, Gary gave without hesitation, whether to family, friends or those quietly in need of help. He found deep purpose in supporting others, especially his children and grandchildren, nurturing their educational pursuits. His life of giving stands as a lasting reminder that true strength is found in service and care for others.

Due to many health challenges, including Crohn's Disease, Gary retired from practicing law in 2004. He married the love of his life, Pamela, in March 2006, and together they blended a large family of seven children. Most recently, they joyfully welcomed great-granddaughter Marlowe Jane and grandson Malcolm James. Gary and Pam shared all of life's pleasures together, including entertaining family and friends, gourmet cooking, caring for their beloved dogs, and spending time at the lake. Known for his wise counsel, he was looked to by many in his professional life, but most meaningfully by his children, who relied on his guidance through life's challenges. Pam stood faithfully by Gary's side through countless surgeries and health difficulties, offering her unwavering love, strength, and faith when he needed it most.

Gary was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Catherine Norton, his beloved Uncle Cam and Aunt Mary, and cherished colleagues, Ted Leonard, Pamela Chute, and Jack Lagerquist. His legacy lives on through his surviving family, beloved wife, Pamela Merritt Norton; his seven children, Kevin Norton and wife Liz Grandmaison of Australia, Keith Norton and wife Cynthia Peterson of Surry, Ryan Norton and wife Masha Stern of the Netherlands, Regan Norton and wife Jody Rand of Vermont, Karoline Perry and husband Daniel of Massachusetts, Meghan Simonds of Portland, and Laura Simonds and husband Christopher of Dixmont; his grandchildren, Logan, Cameron, Emma, Mackenzie, Caelan, Alice, Sasha, and Malcolm; and his great-grandchild, Marlowe, who brought him endless pride and joy. He will be deeply missed by special family friend, Ed Collins and his faithful companion and dog, Quinn.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers who brought Gary comfort and dignity in his final days, including Amber Walker, his special home healthcare worker, St. Joseph Hospital, St. Joseph Hospice Care, and the Maine Veterans' Home. Gary's family also extends deep thanks to the coaches and boxers of Rock Steady Boxing in Brewer.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. at The Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street, Bangor. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at St. John's Episcopal Church, 225 French Street, Bangor. Burial with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Gary to consider a donation to Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine, P.O. Box 1807, Auburn, Maine 04211. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.