Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) lost a friend and advocate on August 25, 2024, with the death of Jon E. Norton, who served on our Board of Directors for over 20 years. The loss is not just to MVES, but to the entire region. Mr. Norton was a tireless supporter of the community and its residents, as well as a beloved friend.
“Mr. Norton leaves a legacy of commitment to our mission,” said Lisa Gurgone, CEO of Mystic Valley Elder Services. “While our hearts are heavy, we want to celebrate a life that was dedicated to MVES, to supporting older adults and adults with disabilities, and to the community.”
Mr. Norton wore many hats during his life, all of them focused on the greater good. A lifelong Everett resident, he earned his master’s degree from Salem State and began a career in education. He was a beloved teacher in the Burlington and Melrose public schools for over 30 years, primarily 4th through 6th grades. He was commonly known as “Mr. Norton” from his days as a teacher.
In 2000, Mr. Norton was asked to serve on the Board of Mystic Valley Elder Services by the Mayor of Everett at the time, David Ragucci. MVES had provided services for one of his uncles, so Mr. Norton had seen the impact of our organization firsthand. He was a firm believer in providing older adults and adults with disabilities with the support they need to stay in their homes and communities.
“Mr. Norton never missed an opportunity to advocate for Mystic Valley,” observed Sean Hubacz, MVES Chief Financial Officer. “He served on our Board for nearly 25 years, and I was fortunate to work closely with him for much of that time. He was deeply dedicated to MVES’ goal of helping older adults maintain their independence and remain living at home.”
When Mr. Norton believed in something, he was “all in.” At MVES, for example, he was not just a Board member but a donor and volunteer. “I want to know what I can do to help people. I think my role can ensure that older adults will get the care they need and be taken care of the right way,” he told us in 2020. That year marked his 20th anniversary with the MVES Board and also, of course, the challenges of COVID-19 that his leadership helped us weather.
When he retired from teaching in 2001, Mr. Norton’s work was far from done. While maintaining his leadership role with MVES, he went on to serve as Recycling Coordinator for the City of Everett. The changes he implemented to trash and recycling collection became a model for communities around the country. The role was a perfect fit for a man who was passionate about the environment and, in many ways, ahead of his time.
Mr. Norton also continued his longstanding role as a member and frequent Chairman of Everett’s Conservation Commission. Perhaps the largest project to come before the commission during his three decades was Encore Boston Harbor. Under his leadership, the Commission spent hundreds of hours ensuring the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act was upheld and the environment was preserved.
In 2019, the City of Everett dedicated the Jon Norton Community Rain Garden in his honor. The project, located at the Wyllis Ave entrance to the Northern Strand Community Trail, was a fitting tribute to the years Mr. Norton spent fighting stormwater absorption.
“Mr. Norton was dedicated and passionate about improving the City of Everett and contributing to the betterment of the lives of his fellow residents,” Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria told MVES. “Even after his days in his office at City Hall, Jon remained committed to improving Everett for the benefit of all residents. Our community is a better place because of Mr. Norton’s dedication and he will be missed greatly.”
Mr. Norton volunteered his time in many other ways, including the River’s Edge Advisory Board and the MWRA Advisory Board.
In addition to his career and volunteer work, Mr. Norton maintained a wide circle of friends who remember him for his lively mind and interest in current events, his sense of humor, and above all his loyalty.
We saw the same loyalty in Mr. Norton’s commitment to the causes he believed in. When we reflect on his life, this is what distinguishes itself: his dedication to the future of his community and his unwavering advocacy for its citizens. Thank you, Mr. Norton, for your life of service. You will be missed.
