~ In Appreciation ~ A Life of Service: Remembering Jon E. Norton

Special to The Advocate

The community lost a friend and advocate recently with the death of Jon E. Norton. Mr. Norton was a tireless supporter of the community and its residents, as well as a beloved friend.

“Jon leaves a legacy of commitment to our mission,” said Lisa Gurgone, CEO of Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES), where Mr. Norton served as a Board of Directors member for over 20 years. “While our hearts are heavy, we want to celebrate a life that was dedicated to MVES, to supporting older adults and adults with disabilities, and to the community.”

A lifelong Everett resident, Mr. Norton earned his master’s degree from Salem State and began a career in education. He was a beloved teacher in the Burlington and Melrose public schools for over 30 years, primarily for fourth through sixth grades. He was commonly known as “Mr. Norton” from his days as a teacher.

In 2000, Mr. Norton was asked to serve on the Board of MVES by the Mayor of Everett at the time, David Ragucci. MVES had provided services for one of his uncles, so Mr. Norton had seen firsthand the impact of MVES. He was a firm believer in providing older adults and adults with disabilities with the support they need to stay in their homes and communities.

“Mr. Norton never missed an opportunity to advocate for Mystic Valley,” observed Sean Hubacz, MVES Chief Financial Officer. “He served on our Board for nearly 25 years, and I was fortunate to work closely with him for much of that time. He was deeply dedicated to MVES’ goal of helping older adults maintain their independence and remain living at home.”

When Mr. Norton believed in something, he was “all in.” At MVES, for example, he was not just a Board member but a donor and volunteer. “I want to know what I can do to help people. I think my role can ensure that older adults will get the care they need and be taken care of the right way,” he said in 2020. That year marked his 20th anniversary with the MVES Board and also, of course, the challenges of COVID-19 that his leadership helped MVES weather.

When he retired from teaching in 2001, Mr. Norton’s work was far from done. While maintaining his leadership role with MVES, he went on to serve as Recycling Coordinator for the City of Everett. The changes he implemented to trash and recycling collection became a model for communities around the country. The role was a perfect fit for a man who was passionate about the environment and, in many ways, ahead of his time. He had advocated for years for recycling, waterfront preservation and other pioneering issues.

Mr. Norton also continued his longstanding role as a member and frequent Chairman of Everett’s Conservation Commission. Perhaps the largest project to come before the commission during his three decades was Encore Boston Harbor. Under his leadership, the Commission spent hundreds of hours ensuring the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act was upheld and the environment was preserved.

In 2019, the City of Everett dedicated the Jon Norton Community Rain Garden in his honor. The project, which is located at the Wyllis Avenue entrance to the Northern Strand Community Trail, was a fitting tribute to the years Mr. Norton spent fighting stormwater absorption.

“Mr. Norton was dedicated and passionate about improving the City of Everett and contributing to the betterment of the lives of his fellow residents,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “Even after his days in his office at City Hall, Jon remained committed to improving Everett for the benefit of all residents. Our community is a better place because of Mr. Norton’s dedication and he will be missed greatly.”

Mr. Norton volunteered his time in many other ways, including the River’s Edge Advisory Board and the MWRA Advisory Board.

In addition to his career and volunteer work, Mr. Norton maintained a wide circle of friends who remember him for his lively mind and interest in current events, his sense of humor and, above all, his loyalty. Loyalty also characterizes his commitment to the causes he believed in. When friends, colleagues and community leaders reflect on his life, this is what distinguishes itself: his dedication to the future of his community and his unwavering advocacy for its citizens. Thank you, Mr. Norton, for your life of service. You will be missed.