John Warren Norton of Edgartown died on July 25 at Harborside Healthcare in Falmouth after a lengthy illness. John, better known as Warren, was born Dec. 17, 1917 in Edgartown, where he lived all his life.

He was the son of Harold A. Norton and Margaret Kingston. He attended the Edgartown School.

After schooling he worked for Clem Norton on his dairy farm. He then worked for Phil Dube as a mason tender.

In 1935, he met Gloria Authier of Vineyard Haven whom he dated until their marriage on March 25, 1940. He joined the State Guard until he joined the U.S. Army in 1944. Warren trained at Camp Wheeler in Georgia. He was assigned to service in Europe, but after being outfitted his orders were changed to the Pacific Theatre. His first stop was in Cebu in the Philippines until the treaty was signed and then he was sent to Japan. After several stops in Japan he was finally stationed in Hokkaido and remained there until his discharge in October 1946 with the rank of first sergeant.

Warren went to work for K.T. Galley & Company as a carpenter and foreman for about 40 years. He also worked for Stuart Avery at the Preservation Trust where he restored the old house that was moved from MacKenty Farm to its present location next to the Daniel Fisher House. He was also a volunteer fireman.

In his spare time Warren enjoyed flying, fishing, hunting and golfing. Warren loved the outdoors and nature. He had his pilot's license and was a member of the flying club at Katama Airport. He was a member of the Martha's Vineyard Rod and Gun Club and participated in the fishing derby for many years. He was also a member of the Edgartown Golf Club.

For many years he could be seen taking his dog for a run every morning at Katama. On one of those trips he discovered a lone swan with one wing. He went everyday to feed and check on the swan. The bird looked for him every morning until summer came and his wing grew back and he was able to fly away.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Gloria; his son, Robert W. of Edgartown; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Lillian Wagner.

A graveside service was held July 27 in the New Westside Cemetery, Robinson Road, Edgartown. Donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services of MV Community Services, 111 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or to Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.