Obituary
A graduate of University High School and the University of Chicago, he played on the high school’s city champion basketball team. His devoted mother Sophie bleached his shoelaces so that his would be the finest on the court and was known to scream at the coach to take her Norton out of the game when he looked tired.
He attended Yale University Law School, from which he graduated in 1959. Early in his legal career, he and a colleague struck out on their own, establishing Orner and Wasserman, a successful insurance defense law firm which he helped lead for the rest of his professional career. Norton also served in the US Army Reserve.
In addition to Chicago and Lincolnwood, Illinois, Norton raised his family and lived for many years in Deerfield and Highland Park, Illinois. He also spent significant time in Sanibel Island and Naples Florida.
At various points in his life, he embraced cycling, tennis, running, and playing oboe. In each case, his enthusiasm greatly exceeded the level of his performance. He loved classical music but was also a fan of the Beatles and Barbra Streisand. He is one of the founders of the Dad Joke movement. In a brief dalliance with midlife crises, Norton bought a bright orange Corvette convertible, a stylish hat and a scarf. He sold the Corvette the same week that his oldest son Michael got his learners permit to drive a car.
Earlier in his life, he was an active member of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, where he held leadership positions with the Couple’s Club.
Norton is survived by his son Michael (Susan Jenks), his daughter Judith Rosenberg (Phillip) and his son Jon. He has six grandchildren Allison (Or) Samuel, Jason (Eliora), Scott, Daniel, Jenna (Michael Cardoza) and Jeremy, and two great grandchildren Etai and Raphael all of whom he loved very much.
Norton was predeceased by his loving wife Rachel and his stepbrother Edward Wasserman.
Graveside Service, Wednesday November 29th, 1 PM at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9900 Gross Point Road, Skokie. For information, including a link to view the service, shiva or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.
Service Information
Service : Wednesday, November 29th at 1:00 pm
Service Location: Graveside Service -Memorial Park Cemetery
Interment:
Memorial Park Cemetery
9900 Gross Point Road
Skokie
Guest Book & Memories
Share your memories and photographs below.
November 30th, 2023
I first met Norty 42 years ago. I was 17 years old and invited by my friend Jon to the Wasserman Family Passover. My first impression of Norty was that he was extremely bright, very cerebral, very serious and quite strict. I was quite intimidated!! Fortunate for me, Michael Wasserman made many jokes to make me feel at home. I remember Rachel exuding warmth, kindness and love ,that evening and each time I was in her presence. The next time I saw Norty was approximately 15 years ago. He was far less intimidating, but as bright and articulate and sharp as I recalled. Norty was curious and genuinely interested in so many different topics. He was the most learned and well read person I have ever known. I was amazed that he registered for three courses at Northwestern each semester when he was in his 70s! I was blessed and privileged to have met Rachel and to have gotten to know Norty and spend time with him. He was a special and unique man. He loved his family passionately. He left an amazing legacy. My heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with his special family. He will be missed by many.
~Randi Rosen
~Family Friend, San Diego
November 29th, 2023
Norton was my sister’s neighbor in Lincolnwood and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with him when I was in town. Always quick with the smile, witty comment, generosity of spirit, he was his own person who showed that he genuinely cared about others. He was kind to my sister–a huge plus. I enjoyed that he and I “got” each other and happily exchanged wry humor. I’m expecially glad that I made a point of letting him know just this past Thanksgiving, that I was thankful for his friendship. For the first time, he was rendered speechless–and simply reached for my hand. It’s a moment I won’t forget. Norton will be missed by all who knew him.
~Corkey
November 29th, 2023
It sadden my heart to know that you’re gone, while I’m here trying to hold back my tears, but it just won’t let me. Im definitely going to miss you. I appreciate being apart of knowing and working with you You were a true friend to me and I will always cherish ever moment I spent with him he was a kind and loving person he will be truly miss
Yasmeen
~Yasmeen Bhatti
~Caregiver, Desplaines IL
November 28th, 2023
Mr. McCain was my best friend and I thank God for also knowing the his families ,
~Carlos (and) pat. Allen
~Best friend, Il
Guest Book and Memories
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