William Charles Norton II

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, CT. Although the family traveled extensively around the country in his early life, the Nortons settled back in CT 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, and was well known throughout New England, New York, and far beyond. He apprenticed for 5 years as a carpenter’s assistant for Robert Horton (a restoration expert), eventually rebuilding the historic Deane and Webb houses in Old Wethersfield. He then went on to form his own business, The 18th Century Company, and thereafter became William C. Norton and Sons, and William C. Norton and Associates. He had a natural aptitude for dismantling period houses and barns, photographing inside and out, as well as marking and logging every board, beam, brick, and window frame. The recorded items were then shipped to his workshop next to his home for any necessary repairs and to prepare for restoration and rebuilding. His own home “The Stephen Ford House” had been one of his endeavors, originally built as an inn in 1685, he moved the dwelling from its old location on Post Road in Milford, to Durham, CT to stand, not only as the family home, showcasing his unique talent. In addition to moving a single period home, he also was known to have moved multiple homes which he connected to serve as a single residence for his clients. Although he and his team tried to restore many of the homes destined for demolition, not every home could be saved. If this was the case, he salvaged the usable remnants, creating an extensive supply of antique materials to repair and remodel the interior and exterior of period homes to replicate furnishings, panel walls, built-ins, and much more. 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 who shares and carries on his passion for the restoration of antique homes. Bill’s work has been showcased in publications such as Colonial Homes and Yankee magazines, the New York Times, and a book entitled Backyard Design. He will be a part of every antique home he has touched and forever will be a part of America’s history.

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, and his children, daughters Deborah Lee Norton (Chester) and Rebekah Norton Zimnock and her son Evan Zimnoch (Cheshire), son William C. Norton III, his wife Kathrine and their children Abigail and Ella (Durham), son Jonathan, his wife Lindsey, and their children Fischer, Henry, and Isla (Killingworth), 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 attend Swan Funeral Home, 80 East Main Street, Clinton, CT 06413 calling hours on May 30, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. At 1:00 PM a Memorial Service will take place immediately followed by a Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends at the American Legion, Post 66 located at 82 West Main Street, Clinton.

Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery in New Britain on October 5, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s honor to The Alzheimer’s Association by visiting alz.org.