Mark Leonard Norton

Mark Leonard Norton, 67, of Buxton, Maine, passed away unexpectedly on October 17, 2015. He was born in Portland on July 15, 1948, to Donald and Beatrice Norton. He graduated from Cheverus High School in 1966 and went on to St. John Fisher College where he received a Bachelors Degree in English. He later earned a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Southern Maine, preparing him for a forty-one and a half year career as a seventh grade Language Arts teacher at Bonny Eagle Middle School in Buxton. Mark was the advisor for the school newspaper and the annual student yearbook, preparing both with style and wit. During retirement, he continued to be present at the school, acting as a substitute teacher and library volunteer. He was beloved by the students, staff, and parents, and will be greatly missed by the school community.

In 1975, Mark married the love of his life, Ellen Placko, of Parsippany, New Jersey. In 1986, they were blessed with their son, Justin. The family has lived in Buxton, Maine, since 1977, where they spent many hours lovingly renovating an old farmhouse.

Mark had several passionate interests including maintaining his daily photo blog, spending quality time with family and friends, photographing many people, places, and things, and travelling to a variety of exciting locations. He was a fan of the written word, music of all kinds, and following high school, college, and professional sports.

Mark is survived by Ellen, his wife of 40 years, his son, Justin, of Austin, Texas, a brother, Martin, and his wife, Donna, of Gorham, sisters, Connie, and her husband, Irv, of Lakeland, Florida, Joanne and her husband, Bruce, of Bend, Oregon, and Diane Fortuin of Boynton Beach, Florida,. His survivors also include his nephews, Stephen, Zachary, Adam, and Devin, and his niece, Daniella.

Friends and relatives are invited to a time of visitation from 10 am- 12 pm on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland, where a memorial service will immediately follow at 12 pm.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Mark’s online guest book.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098.