Obituaries

Joseph A. Norton. Jr., 87

April 22, 2020

Joseph Aloysius Norton, Jr., passed away suddenly at his home in Lititz on April 22, 2020. He was born in 1933 In Bryn Mawr and grew up in Narberth, a town that would define him. He was the son of the late Joseph Norton and Mary Tierney Norton. He was preceded in death by his brother John and his first wife Barbara Benedict Norton.

Surviving are his wife Lucille (Lubowiecki) Norton, sons Mark Norton (Diana Vos) of Eugene, OR and David Norton of Rochester, NY; daughter Vicki Pellicciotti (Joseph) of Marriottsville, MD; stepson Francis Murphy (Kaci) of York, PA, and sister Connie Norton Harris of Charlotte, NC. His life was blessed with 8 grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. Attending their activities were proud moments in his life.

Joe graduated from Lower Merion High School. He served in the Korean War as part of the Finance Corps. On returning home, he attended Villanova University and graduated with a degree in economics. His love of Villanova would remain with him his entire life.

Joe worked in sales for the Scott Paper Company and General Medical. His next 44 years were spent with All-Med as a manufacturer’s representative. With a big smile and a hearty handshake, Joe was the quintessential salesman. He retired in 2015.

Joe’s enthusiasm for life was contagious. It began with his family and friends, spread to his career, and extended into his community. He was a faithful communicant at St. Ignatius in Yardley before moving to Lititz in 2013. Lititz quickly became his town to love. Becoming an active member of St. James Catholic Church, the Lititz Historical Foundation, and the UPMC volunteers, Joe immersed himself in life. Just walking or driving through his neighborhood was an active experience. His beloved pets Heidi and Sebastian were also grateful recipients of his boundless love and energy. Joe would often take Heidi for a ride to Stauffers or other local markets. He and his wife always had travel plans in the making, both domestic and international. Whether it was their honeymoon in London, a gondola ride in Venice, a midnight cruise in Budapest, or the Papal Installation of Benedict the XV1 at the Vatican, Joe loved everything the world had to offer. He also enjoyed trips to Raystown, Maryland, Utah, New York, Oregon and Alaska. Having a bowl of clam chowder in Kennebunkport was perfection. For quiet fun, Joe liked to read and supervise his wife’s gardening. His zest for life was matched by his sense of humor. Family and friends, even strangers, were often regaled by his stories, pranks and his signature move.

A Memorial Mass for Joe will be held at 11:30AM, Friday, June 12 at St. James Catholic Church, 505 Woodcrest Ave., Lititz, PA 17543, with Rev. James O’Blaney, C.Ss.R. as Celebrant. Family and friends will be received at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 for visitation from 10AM to 11AM. According to COVID-19 protocol, face masks will be required for all guests. Interment will follow at Witness Park, Lititz. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lititiz Historic Foundation at 145 East Main Street, Lititz PA 17543, or to UPMC Lititz Fund, c/o UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, Post Office Box 8700 Harrisburg, PA 17105.

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Condolences to the Family

January 20, 2021

Very sad to belatedly learn of Joe’s passing last Spring when I tried to call and wish him a happy 88th birthday today, 1/20/21. I reminisced while reading the beautiful reflection on his life and echo the facts of his warmth and character. Mike Pries, President
Cherry Hill Medical, Inc.

September 14, 2020

lucy..talked to you 9/14/20 saddened to learn of joe stepping into the last man standing which we joked about…I was his classmate at L.M. we along with many others has friendships. and memoies…our group is almost nonexistent…everett , xmas 2019, bill camp, loved him..sue gordy, betsy gordon stanton…yep were being swapt aside…thank you Lusy for speaking with me today…keep in touch…love you suzanne wright blood…610 688 2008…and yes we should get to meet each other

June 22, 2020

Lucille, very sorry for your loss. Joe was a great guy. My brothers and I loved him. He was so enjoyable to do business with. We loved the old stories about Villanova, Narberth and the old days of our business. May he be in heaven with our Lord. Jesus Christ.
Buzz Breslin,

June 15, 2020

Dear Lucille,
Bob Hale and I have been trying to get in touch with Joe and only just learned of his passing. We both would like to add our condolences and let you know that although our association with Joe goes back to 1972 at General Medical, we have stayed in touch all these years. Please let me know, when the service is scheduled, as we would very much like to attend.
Roland Mundy

June 12, 2020

I love you, Aunt Lucy! You and Joe were always a fun match. His love of life, travel, and education put a smile on everyone’s face. I wish I could be there to celebrate his life today.
Megan Okonsky

May 12, 2020

Dear Lucy,
Sincere condolences are sent to you and Joseph’s family from the girls of Old Main North classes of ’63 and ’64, Jo-Ann C., Jean W, Sandy N. (’63), Norma W., Carol S., and Barbara D.
Barbara Draper O’Connor resident of TOA Lititz

May 07, 2020

So sorry to hear of Joe’s sudden passing. I am glad to have had the opportunity to know him, he was a wonderful man and will be missed ! I volunteered with Joe at UPMC Lititz. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Kirstin Smith

May 05, 2020

Dear Lucille:

We are so sorry to hear of Joe’s untimely passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. My family and others could write a book about Joe, and all the wonderful times that everyone had with him over the years. Joe always had a positive outlook and a good sense of humor. He was also instrumental in convincing me to go to college under the G.I. bill when I came out of the service. That is something I will always remember forever, among other nice things that he did throughout the years.
Paul & Arlene Benedict

April 30, 2020

Dear Lucille,
Christine and I are so saddened by Joe’s sudden death. He was blessed to have you in his life, and we will pray that the Lord helps you carry your sad burden of loss. When time softens the wound of his passing, we will again be able to talk about all the wonderful times we shared with Joe and the laughter and brightness be brought to the lives of all who knew him. We love you.
Vincent and Christine Benedict

April 29, 2020

Lucy,
So sorry to get the news about Joe, he was a good friend for many years. He was always willing to help with our business and was a pleasure to work with. He kept me on my toes with every phone call not sure who would be on the other end of the phone with some kind of imagination. He would pick up grain from the feed mill as a favor and bring to Delcrest. I will surely miss him a lot.
Duane Seiz

April 28, 2020

Lucy, I was devastated to hear of Joe’s passing. I had just seen him at our volunteer meeting. Joe was a lovely, fun-loving, comedian and liked by all the volunteers, staff and visitors of the Lititz Museum. Please know that you are in my prayers and that I feel so privilidged to work with Joe at the museum for one short year. I was looking forward to many more. Most sincerely, Elisa G. Benner, Museum Coordinator

April 27, 2020

Lucy, so sorry to hear of Joes passing. We always had a funny or insulting remark for each other but I know there was lots of mutual respect in the mix. Will miss him, a good buddy from high school nearly 70 years ago.Very best wishes. Jim Sharp

April 26, 2020

Lucy, we are so sad & sorry to hear about Joe. Our prayers are with you. Rob & Joan

April 26, 2020

Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Marilyn and Ron Rudden

April 26, 2020

Dear Lucy and family,
We are devastated by Joe’s passing. When Matt learned of his death, he said, “What I will remember most about Joe was his handshake. He would look me in the eye, smile, and shake my hand as if there were no one else in the world that he would rather speak to in that moment.” I will remember his many daily trips to the grocery store, his larger than life personality, and the way he loved and treated you, Lucy. Everyone was his friend. Everyone was treated with respect. We will always be here for you; you know where to find us. We love you. Ken, Kaye and Matt

April 25, 2020

My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your husband.
May you find strength in all that remains.
Gail Horrocks

Visitation: Friday, June 12, 2020; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Friday, June 12, 2020; 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM; St. James Catholic Church; 505 Woodcrest Ave.; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >