Stephen Walter Norton

Stephen “Steve” Walter Norton, 81, of Freeport passed away January 9, 2026 with family and friends by his side.

Steve was born in Damariscotta, Maine to Everett and Margaret (Prentice) Norton. He grew up in Bristol and Bath, Maine where he graduated from Morse High School in 1962. At Morse Steve played basketball, ran cross country and excelled in baseball. He continued his education at Gorham State Teacher’s College graduating from the University of Maine in 1968. In his college days Steve was an outstanding baseball player. Between his high school and college years he worked for his uncle in Bristol in his heating, plumbing and electrical company.

After graduating from college, Steve taught social studies at Freeport Jr. High from 1968 through 1976 and retired from his teaching career at Freeport High School in 1993. During his teaching years Steve enjoyed coaching baseball and basketball. Summers he golfed, clammed,  went camping and hiking, and spent time woodworking. After teaching Steve worked at Sable Oaks Golf Club in South Portland until 2015 and took pleasure in traveling and cruising until his passing.   

Sports dominated Steve’s life. Playing golf was his greatest passion. From 2000 to his death he spent winters living in Florida in a golf course community where he honed his game, won several champonships and appreciated the comradery of many fellow golfers. In addition to golfing Steve found it rewarding to make improvements around his home in Freeport, especially doing any project that involved his tractor.   

Steve was the son parents couldn’t have been prouder of, the big brother very protective of his sister, the husband so selfless putting himself second. He was the uncle who wanted his nephews to succeed and be happy in whatever they chose to do. Over the years Steve was always interested in the lives of former students. He was a kind and pleasant man with a sense of humor. He was always there to help a friend or neighbor. He will be missed by many.

Steve was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Dianne Gaudet, his sister Barbara and her husband Ken Walker, and his three nephews and their wives Cullen (Christine) Walker, Chad (Krista) Walker and Casey (katie) Walker, and several grandnephews and grandnieces.

A celebration of Steve’s life is planned for June 27, 2026 at 11:00 at Desmond Funeral Home at 638 High Street in Bath. Anyone is welcome to express a few words in memory of Steve. Burial will follow for immediate family only due to space constraints in Oak Grove Cemetery in Bath. To share your thoughts, memories and condolences please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.

If you wish, the family would appreciate donations made in his memory to the Morse High School Alumni Class of 1962. Please make checks payable to BHSAA with a note on the check IMO Stephen Norton. Mail the check to BHSAA c/o Morse High School, Attn: Holly Lowe, 826 Shipbuilder Drive, Bath ME 04530.  

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