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ICC(SW) Stephen "Steve" Norton, U.S. Navy (Ret.) Devoted father, decorated sailor, and steadfast friend-died peacefully on May 14, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. He was 81. Steve's final watch could not have been more fitting: he passed while reunited with shipmates gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of the SS Mayaguez rescue, an operation in which he had played a pivotal role. On May 14, 1975, then-Petty Officer Norton served in USS Henry B. Wilson combat-systems team when the destroyer intercepted a fishing boat off Koh Tang Island and freed the 40-man crew of the hijacked Mayaguez-bringing America's last battle of the Vietnam War to a close. The crews swift, decisive action saved innocent lives amid an operation marred by flawed intelligence and heavy casualties, forging bonds among her crew that would last a lifetime. Half a century later, Steve helped organize the anniversary remembrance, eager to honor the fallen and toast the living. Surrounded by ship-talk, laughter, and quiet reflection, his heart stilled to the gentle cadence of memories made safe by friendship. Naval Service Over a 26-year career, Interior Communications Chief Electrician (Surface Warfare) Norton served aboard-and, in several cases, helped commission-some of the Navy's most storied vessels:
Volunteerism & Community Leadership Service in uniform never dulled Steve's impulse to serve in civvies. He helped shape global rail-power safety as vice chair-and later chair-of the IEEE Overhead Contact Systems Subcommittee, while also sitting on the Traction-Power Standards Committee and the Vehicular Technology Society's Land Transportation Committee. In memory of his late wife Beverley, Steve and his daughter founded the Tradesmen Charitable Pour House, a create-imbibe-donate salon that has raised more than $1 million in cash and in-kind gifts for causes meeting the first three tiers of Maslow's hierarchy: food, safety, and belonging. Beneficiaries range from the USO of San Diego and the Alzheimer's Association's Memories in the Making program to Combat Arts San Diego, Veterans Village, GenerateHope, Feeding the Soul Foundation, Dress for Success, and Dreams for Change. Chief Norton poured equal energy into the Chief Petty Officer and veterans' community. Most mornings he could be found in the Retired Activities Office at Naval Base San Diego, guiding hundreds of shipmates through the maze of VA, TRICARE, and survivor-benefit paperwork. He steered the USS Kearsarge Association as vice-president and later treasurer, safeguarding his first ship's legacy while helping expand its ranks. He never missed a ship or wartime reunion - always ready to lend a hand, raise a toast, or shoulder the behind-the-scenes work that kept the gatherings alive. Within the Mess, he served with Chief Mess Niguel and Chief Mess Chula Vista and Navy CPO Pride Day each year to usher new Chiefs "into the Mess." Ever mindful of professional standards, he lived and died to the time-honored maxim:
A Chief Petty Officer shall not drink. Family & Legacy Stephen is survived by three children-William Norton of Valier, Illinois; Thomas Norton of San Antonio, Texas; and Stepheni Norton, YNC, USCG (Ret.) of San Diego, California-along with two daughters in law, a son in law, two foster daughters, five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, two cherished grand pups, and a wide wake of shipmates, brothers, sisters, and friends. Celebration of Life Shipmates, family, and friends are invited to celebrate Chief Norton's life on Saturday, 31 May 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until sunset at Chapel of the Roses, Bonita, California-an evening of sea stories, music, and fellowship befitting the Chief who always kept the watch. A memorial service will be held at Hughey Funeral Home, 1314 Main Street, Mount Vernon, Illinois. The times and date are currently pending. A graveside service with full military honors will be held on or about June 7 at Norton Family Cemetery, 12487 N Old Faithful Lane, Woodlawn, Illinois. Fair winds and following seas, Chief. We have the watch. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to:
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information. Source: https://www.hugheyfh.com/obituaries/Stephen-Dale-Norton |
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Sandy Bauer