Obituary of Joseph A. Norton

Joseph A. Norton Sidney—Joseph A. Norton, 92, passed away on Monday, July 31, 2017. He was born on December 14, 1924, son of the late Otis L. and Elizabeth (Schaaf) Norton in Hancock, NY. He left Sidney High School in his senior year to enlist in the United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Wasp in the Pacific during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to the Sidney area and began working as a mechanic for Pratt's Garage in Bainbridge and Hotalings in Sidney before going into his own business, Norton's Service Station & Used Cars. He was well known at the local race tracks as a stock car driver and later as an owner. He was inducted into the Central NY Stock Car Hall of Fame as well as the Tri-County Bowling Hall of Fame in 1991. He was a member of the Sidney Elks Lodge 2175, American Legion Post 183 and the VFW Post 7914. Joe proudly enjoyed attending his children's and grandchildren's scholastic and sporting events. He could often be found driving around making his daily rounds, checking up on friends and family. Joe is survived by: his wife, Nancy (Nichols) Norton; two daughters: Bonnie (Russell) Stone and Cheryl Babcock; two sons: Joseph Norton and Jeffrey Norton; grandchildren: Amber, Brandy, Lindsey and Evan Stone, Randal and Dustin Babcock, Ashley O'Halloran, and Mallory and Tucker Norton; great-grandchildren, Cadon, Andrew, Kelsey, Jacob, Aiden and McKenna who is expected soon; brother, Lawrence Norton; brother-in-law, Michael Nichols and several nieces and a nephew. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by: brother, Otis (Dick) Norton; sisters: Charlotte Norton and Eleanor Mertz; niece, Deborah McGee; nephews, Stephen and Randall Mertz; and sister-in-law, Sally Norton. Friends are invited to call from 11:00am-2:00pm on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney. Funeral services will begin at 2:00pm at the funeral chapel. Burial with military honors will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you do something nice for someone in Joe's memory. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.