Robert H. “Bob” Burton, 78, a lifelong Norwich resident, died on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, NY.
Born on April 10, 1946, in Norwich, Bob is a son of the late Harold and Earla (Jensen) Burton. He graduated from Norwich High School in 1965 and was drafted in the United States Army in the Vietnam War. Bob served honorably, earning a Bronze Star, while in Vietnam. Upon returning to Norwich, he worked at various locations, including the Norwich Knitting Mill, Bennett-Ireland, and painting houses in the family business. For over twenty years, Bob worked at Norwich Middle School as a custodian.
On October 10, 1968, at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Norwich, Bob married Elaine Lorimer, who survives. They recently celebrated fifty-six years of devoted love to each other.
Affectionally called “Pepaw” by his grandchildren, he always made time for his grandchildren. Bob was a no-nonsense type of guy, that walked to the beat of his own drum and was always keeping the peace with those around him. Family and traditions were a staple in his life. He enjoyed hats, puzzle books, railroad history and collecting spikes along the railroad tracks. Bob was an avid music fan including James Taylor, the Eagles, and Guns N’ Roses. He was a former member of the Norwich Fire Department.
In addition to his wife, Elaine, of Norwich, Bob is survived by his children, Richard (Sara) Burton of Norwich and Robert Burton of Greensboro, NC; “the other son,” Brian (Kecia) Burton of Norwich; grandchildren, Alexa Burton of Norwich, Jensyn (Jessie) Penta of Norwich, Kylie Cox of Conklin, Riley Burton of Greensboro, NC, Taylor Finch of Norwich, Robert Burton of Greensboro, NC, and Bianca Burton of Norwich; great-grandchildren, Anderson, Charlotte, Laine, and Elodie; sisters, Rosie Simpson of Florida and Laurie Crandall (John Murray) of Norwich; special brother, John Vinal of Norwich; sisters-in-law, Mary Neadom of Norwich, Lianne (Denny) Sprague of Guilford, Michelle Lorimer of Norwich, and Vicki Burton of Norwich; stepmother, Shirley Burton of Norwich; step-sister, Bonnie Burton of Oregon; brother-in-law, Richard (Ginny) Lorimer of Norwich; step-brother-in-law, Christopher Lorimer of Norwich, and many nieces and nephews.
Robert was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Duane and Rose Lorimer; stepmother-in-law, Barbara Lorimer; brothers, Thomas Burton, George Burton, and Harold Burton; brothers-in-law, Charlie Neadom, George Lorimer, and Joseph Lorimer, and Steve Simpson.
Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home in Norwich, on Friday, November 29, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. with a funeral service to immediately follow. Burial will occur with Military Honors on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the North Guilford Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the Norwich Volunteer Firemen’s Association, 31 East Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted with John Antonowicz of the Wilson Funeral Home. To leave the family a message of sympathy, please visit: www.wilsonfh.com.