Joel Ripolone Norton

"Monson-Joel R. Norton, Sr, 77, passed away unexpectedly on August 6, 2019. Born in Hartford, CT on January 30, 1942, he was the son of Laura (Weatherell) Norton. Joel grew up in N.Brookfield, proudly served his country in the Army National Guard and served his community in various capacities throughout the years. For 41 years, he held many jobs at Monson Developmental Center. He also worked for Brinks Armored Trucks for 18 years as well as being a school bus driver for Pathfinder for 25 years. Joel admirably served the Wales Police Department for 32 years, Brimfield Police Department for 35 years, and Monson Fire Department for 40 years. He was a Knights of Columbus 4th degree and also a member of the Blue Knights and Quabaog Highlanders along with being a communicant of St. Thomas Church in Palmer. Joel will be deeply missed by his wife of 58 years, Doloris A. "Dodie" along with their four sons, Joel Norton Jr and Karen of Leicester, Paul Norton and Paula of Ludlow, Michael Norton and Pamela of Monson, and Kevin Norton in Monson. He leaves eight grandchildren, Joelle and Jason Conlin and child, Elizabeth and Nathan Orne and children, Jason and Alyssa Norton and child, Caitlin and David Walker and children, Brittany Norton, Alexis Holdsworth, Amanda Norton, Bobbie-Jo Dansereau and children. He was the youngest of seven children. Visitation will be held Sunday Aug. 11th from 1-4pm at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. Friends and family may gather Monday at 9 a.m. at the funeral home to form a procession to St. Thomas Church for 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Brimfield Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to Monson Fire Association, 200 Main St. Monson, MA 01057."