Bluntly Speaking By Ross Blouin 

Somerville lost a tremendous friend last week. Donald Norton, well known Somerville real estate broker and outspoken political sage, passed away after a ten-month battle with cancer. Donald was a local character who was controversial to those who have so little to offer our community and beloved by all those who knew him for any length of time. Donald was a man of principles with the wisdom of Saul and a heart of gold. Donald did not suffer fools gladly. If he saw you doing something stupid or ridiculous he would let you know on no uncertain terms. It did not matter if you were a politician or a real estate broker Donald’s opinion would always be heard.

Donald’s list of accomplishments over his lifetime could fill a notebook. He worked for the city Health Department, he was appointed to the Board of Health and the Licensing Board. He was the owner, founder and partner in three major real estate organizations; he joined Century 21 North East in January of this year after 42 years in the business. He gave more people, from all backgrounds, more opportunities to buy property in this city than any other person currently in the business.

Donald trained over 500 people in real estate sales and brokerage. Donald was extremely active in local civic and fraternal organizations. He was past President of Somerville Rotary, the founder and past President of the Highland Masonic Building Association, Secretary of King Solomon’s Lodge of Somerville for 28 years. He was also past Master of King Solomon’s Lodge two times in a line of succession of Past Masters that began in 1783.

Donald’s generosity was known throughout the city. He was associated with many charitable organizations and he was a founder of the Somerville Scholarship Fund and more charitable organizations than can be mentioned here.

Donald Norton was the force behind The Somerville News, which later became The Somerville Times. Donald purchased The Somerville News in 2003 and reorganized it into The Somerville Times in 2011. For the past 16 years Donald made sure that Somerville had a weekly newspaper that only published local news along with community viewpoints without political bias and grandstanding. Donald was Managing Editor and Director of Operations of The Somerville Times at the time of his death. He was very proud of his contribution and the quality of The Times.

Donald Norton left an indelible footprint on this city and, regrettably, we shall not see his like here again.