Frederick John Norton

It is with great sadness that the family of Frederick J. Norton announces his passing at the age of 91 on August 31, 2019. He was the beloved husband of Jeanne Treat Norton of Middletown. Jeanne and Fred were high school sweethearts, together for 77 years. On August 12th, they had celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

Fred graduated from Middletown HS where he excelled in basketball, baseball, and football. He also played semi-professional baseball for the Middletown Giants in the late ‘40s, and was a proud inductee of the Middletown Sports Hall of Fame. Fred was a veteran, having served during the Korean War as a Sergeant in the Army. He owned and operated Undina Beverages for over 30 years with his partner Tri Neag. They also owned Middlesex Realty. In retirement, Fred sold real estate for Hagel and Associates.

Fred was an active member of the Cromwell Lions Club for many years, including serving for a time as the Club’s President. After his recovery from cancer in the mid 70’s, he started a golf tournament initially to benefit the American Cancer Society, and later the Weiss Hospice Unit at Middlesex Health. The hospice tournament is now in its 33rd year. He also served as a Corporator of Middlesex Health for many years. Fred enjoyed life and especially his family, reading, watching UConn Sports and the Red Sox.  He was an accomplished golfer.  

Fred was devoted to his family and we will forever miss his advice and sayings. In addition to his wife, he leaves his daughters Cherie Norton (Rob LaBrie) and Jill Norton (Bob Sweeney) all of Berlin;  grandchildren Allison Halvorsen (Luke) of Chicago, IL, Michael Tierney of Cromwell, and Benjamin Tierney of Berlin; and great grandchildren Lilia and Ruby of Chicago, IL who always made him smile. 

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 6, 2019 at 11:00 am at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill Street, Berlin.  Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Family and friends may call on Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Cromwell Funeral Home, 506 Main Street, Cromwell.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Middlesex Health Hospice Program” c/o Middlesex Health, Office of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457 (online Middlesexhealth.org/donate). To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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