Middleborough – Philip “Phil” Albert Norton, 88, a resident of Middleborough and formerly of Westborough, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home with the love of family by his side, on February 7, 2024, after a brief period of declining health.
Phil was born in Worcester, MA, on October 15, 1935, to the late Phyllis (Tappan) and Walter Norton.
Phil is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Mary Norton (Marges/McGoldrick), of Middleborough. He was preceded in death by his brother, Walter Norton, Jr., of Grafton and his sister, Sandy Burnham, of Westborough. Phil is also survived by his children Pamela Bleakney and her husband, Charles, of Blue Hill, ME, Beth Renner and her husband, Stewart, of Rockport, Penny Connolly and her husband, Richard, of Westborough, Timothy Norton and his wife, Claudia, of Somerville and Hilo, HI, Phyllis Lupisella and her husband, Jeffrey, of Worcester, Carolyn Pavlos and her husband, John, of Roslindale, and stepchildren Holly Lawrence and her husband, Todd, of Swanzey, NH, and Tina Westgate and her husband, Mike, of Attleboro. He leaves 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Phil graduated from Westborough High School in 1953. After graduation he entered the workforce, employed by Bay State Abrasives, J.I. Case and Hyster, all the while developing his skills as a master bricklayer and stonemason. He built his own brick house in Westborough at the age of 24. Over the years he built up a wealth of knowledge and skill set and would tell great stories of some of his more interesting projects.
Phil was very social. He would strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone. Phil loved animals, particularly dogs. He always drove around in his red pickup truck, with his K-9 buddies in the passenger seat. Phil also loved sports; he was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan and was a member of the Mitchell Memorial Club.
Family and friends will remember Phil for his whistling while he worked and spontaneously singing. We are sure he is whistling his way to Heaven right now. Phil will be deeply missed by family and friends.
The family would like to thank the employees of Compassionate Care Hospice and the personnel of the Middleborough Police and Fire Departments.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in April.
In lieu of flowers, please go out and do a good deed in memory of Phil.
Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home of Lakeville assisted with arrangements.
