Death Announced of William Charles Norton II of Clinton, Craftsman Who Restored Historic Homes and Barns

William (Bill) Charles Norton II of Clinton, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the age of 81. He was born on August 4, 1944, in New Britain. Although the family traveled extensively around the country in his early life, the Nortons settled back in Connecticut, having deep colonial roots as early English settlers dating back to 1584.

Following in the footsteps of many ancestral builders, Bill devoted his life to preserving 17th and 18th century homes and barns. Bill referred to his work as a “labor of love, skill and patience in equal proportions.” He has mentored and been loved by hundreds of souls who carry out his craft, including his son William C. Norton III.

Bill enlisted and served in the Army National Guard from 1967 to 1971. He loved the ocean, boating, and fishing, likening it to Thorazine, and in his free time, this is where he could be found, relaxing with a Budweiser.

He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Dorothy (Neumann) Norton, his brothers Arthur and Timothy Norton, and his sister Sandra Broga Norton. He is survived by his wife, Laura Trombley Norton, together in love for 36 years and forevermore; daughters Deborah Lee Norton and Rebekah Norton Zimnock and her son Evan Zimnoch; son William C. Norton III, his wife Kathrine and their children Abigail and Ella; son Jonathan, his wife Lindsey and their children Fischer, Henry and Isla; his sister Suzanne (Sis) Mandeville; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Middlesex Hospital Hospice staff for the incredible care and compassion they showed Bill and his entire family in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 30 at Swan Funeral Home, 80 East Main Street, Clinton. A 1 p.m. memorial service will be immediately followed by a Celebration of Life for family and friends at the American Legion, Post 66, 82 West Main Street, Clinton.

For the full obituary and to offer online condolences, visit SwanFH.com.