Walter W. Norton, Jr., 79, of Salem, NH passed away suddenly on Monday, May 23 ^rd at his home.

He grew up in Methuen, MA and graduated from Tenney High School. Walter was the son of the late Elizabeth (German) and Walter Norton. He served in the US Navy. Walter worked for Cushman's Bakery, Brox Milk and he retired from J. J. Nissen Baking Co. after 34 years of service.

Walter collected antique tractors, trucks, model trains and antique signs. He took meticulous care of his yard and he loved tinkering in his garage and bird watching.  Walter was a New England Railroad historian and enthusiast. He was a member of the East Coast Tractor Club, the NH Power of the Past Tractor Club, Ski-Mo's Snowmobile Assoc. of Salem and the American Legion Post 63 of Salem.

Walter lived life as he wanted. He lived in his house for 45 years. He was still driving his tractors, seeing his friends and enjoying his favorite foods. It seems fitting that the end came suddenly after he returned home from a car show in his antique truck.

Walter is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joyce (Charest) Norton of Salem; his children, Walter Norton, III and wife Victoria of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Carolyn Bullen of Salem, Christine Nelson and husband Richard of Salem and his step-daughter, Annie Rutsky and husband James of Albany, NY and his 4 grandsons, Ryan Bullen Evan Zabarsky, John and Michael Norton.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 31 ^st from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH. The funeral service will be Wednesday, June 1 ^st at 10:30 AM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Salem.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter's memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 750 No. Bedford St. E. Bridgewater, MA 02333 or to the Salem Animal Rescue League, 4 Sarl Dr. Salem, NH 03079.

To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com