Francis S. Norton

Francis S. Norton

HORNELL – Francis S. Norton, 90, of Greeley Avenue, passed away, surrounded by the love of his family, Sunday afternoon (May 26, 2024) at St. James Hospital in Hornell after a three-year illness.

Born in Hornell on March 14, 1934 he was a son of the late Arthur and Mary (Sullivan) Norton. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his brother, Harry Norton.

A former resident of West Almond, NY, Fran was a graduate of Angelica Central school where he excelled in baseball and basketball. He also was a graduate of Buffalo State College and received a master’s degree from Alfred University.

He proudly served five years with the U.S. Army National Guard, Troop C, First Squadron, 121st Cavalry from 1959 to his honorable discharge as a Sergeant (E5) in 1964.

Fran has resided in Hornell for most of his life and before he retired, he was employed for many years for the Hornell City School District as the Director of Media Services.

A member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, he was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell and was a member of the Hornell Council No. 243, Knights of Columbus. Throughout the years Fran served with the Hornell Housing Authority and coached Hornell High School JV Basketball and Cinderella Softball.

He was an avid hockey and Buffalo Bills fan and especially loved to attend his grandson’s sporting events.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Marilyn (Andrews) Norton who he married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell on Oct. 14, 1961; three children, Christopher (Holly) Norton of Hunt, NY, Marianna (Kyle) Hayes of Lockport, NY and Michael Norton of Hornell; one grandson, Andrew Francis Hayes, a student at Niagara University; one sister, Katherine (Robert) Isaman of Dalton, NY; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are 5-7 p.m. Thursday (May 30, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell where a funeral and committal service will take place following calling hours at 7 p.m. Thursday with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Private interment, with military honors, will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, town of Fremont.

The United States flag and the Army flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Jonson & Deanto Funeral Home in recognition of Fran’s service with the U.S. Army National Guard.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell Fire Department, 110 Broadway, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Fran’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Fran are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.