Charles E. Norton passed away Sept. 24, 2019, in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., surrounded by his loving sons, Charles “CJ” and Michael, and their spouses, Brandon Kotaniemi and Kimberly Bendickson.
Charlie served in the U.S. Army at Fort Dix, N.J., during the Vietnam era as a drill sergeant. He went on to graduate with honors from SUNY New Paltz, and he then began his career as a fourth-grade teacher at Goshen Intermediate School.
Charlie met the love of his life, Ginger, while he served in the Army. They were together for more than 40 years or until her passing.
Charlie and his wife, Ginger, moved to Goshen in 1972 to raise their family. They considered the village more than just their home; it was their family.
Both were active in community organizations. Charlie was a member and officer in the Cataract Engine and Hose Company for many years. Anyone who knew Charlie knew of his undying love for his wife and his sons. Charlie relocated to Lake Havasu City to be closer to his family in 2015 after Ginger's passing. He was a member of the local fraternity of Eagles in Lake Havasu while getting to enjoy more time with his sons and his sister, Fran.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and brother. He is survived by his sons and their spouses, CJ and Brandon; Michael and Kimberly; as well as his three sisters and their partners, Millie (Joe); Fran; and Mary Claire (Tom).
Arrangements were handled by the Donovan Funeral Home in Goshen. Visitation was held Sept. 28. Burial was in Orange County Veterans Cemetery in Goshen.