Gary L. Norton

GARY L. NORTON, age 73, of Creech Rd., Cortland, NY (Town of Summerhill), passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at Cortland Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

Garywas born July 6, 1940 in Cortland, NY, the son of the late Merton and Doris Ritton Norton. He served with the Army National Guard, was a long standing member of the Locke Fire Dept., former member of Masonic Lodges in Groton and Moravia. He was a volunteer with the J.M. Murray Center, and Horizon Chorus. Gary was very active in the Moravia Community Theatre, performing in many musicals; his favorite being “Hello Dolly.” It was during his time with the theatre that he met the love of his life, Claudia, while they were working together in 1978 & 79 on the musical “Bye Bye Birdie.” Gary was employed with Cortland Regional Medical Center in Materials Management for many years. He was a man with a great spirit, and he brought much joy and humor to all he had contact with.

GARY L. NORTON, age 73, of Creech Rd., Cortland, NY (Town of Summerhill), passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at Cortland Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

Gary was born July 6, 1940 in Cortland, NY, the son of the late Merton and Doris Ritton Norton. He served with the Army National Guard, was a long standing member of the Locke Fire Dept., former member of Masonic Lodges in Groton and Moravia. He was a volunteer with the J.M. Murray Center, and Horizon Chorus. Gary was very active in the Moravia Community Theatre, performing in many musicals; his favorite being “Hello Dolly.” It was during his time with the theatre that he met the love of his life, Claudia, while they were working together in 1978 & 79 on the musical “Bye Bye Birdie.” Gary was employed with Cortland Regional Medical Center in Materials Management for many years. He was a man with a great spirit, and he brought much joy and humor to all he had contact with.

Gary is survived by his wife, Claudia Norton of Cortland, NY; daughter, Cyndi (Gregg) Bilheimer of VA; son, Michael (Tammy)Norton of Groton; son, Casey (Angie)Vyskocil of Granville, NY; brother, Douglas (Millie) Norton of Dryden; grandsons, C.J., Austin and Jesse Vyskocil; granddaughters, Marguerite and Logan Norton, Katelyn and Kayla Bennett, Karolyn and Rachel Drake, Kaylie and Madison Bilheimer. In addition, he was predeceased by a son, Jeremy Vyskocil in 2008; and brothers, Roland and Gerald Norton.

Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 W. Main St., Dryden, NY with Pastor William Gallerani officiating. Burial will follow in East Lawn Cemetery, Ithaca. Friends may call from 10-12 prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to J.M. Murray Center, Attn: Dale Davis, 823 NYS Rt. 13, Cortland, NY 13045, where Gary spent many joy filled hours volunteering.