John James Norton- most recently of Cohasset, MA, passed peacefully from this world on December 2, 2010 after a remarkable life of 96 years. John was married to his beloved wife Mary for 66 wonderful years. In addition to Mary, John is survived by his eight adoring children: John, Jr., Ann and husband, Jonathan Storer, Robert and wife, Virginia, Margaret and husband, Tom Nixon, Frederick and wife, Marena, James and wife, Susan, Catherine and husband, Robert Nichols and Thomas and wife, Dana along with 20 grandchildren.

John was born August 16, 1914 in Dorchester, MA, graduated from Boston College and received his MA from University of Denver. John worked for the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons for 27 years. John rose quickly and became one of the youngest federal prison wardens. A compassionate, wise leader, John was known for his innovative and successful educational and rehabilitation programs. John retired in 1975 when he and Mary moved to Cape Cod where they lived until May. During his long career John earned the respect and friendship of all who knew him and couldn't help but be impressed with his intelligence, good judgment, humor and fairness.

John was a good gentle man of unfailing love, grace, generosity, sense of justice and ever ready Irish wit. He loved to dance, a good Manhattan, long, walks through the woods, the Red Sox, family baseball games, horse racing and his Catholic faith. But mostly he loved his family on whom he doted and who are consumed with sorrow and sadness at his passing. John never spoke an unkind word about anyone and truly made this world a better place.

Visiting hours

Omitted

Service Information

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 10 in St. Anthony's Church, Cohasset.