Beacon Hose is saddened to announce the passing of 48-year member and past officer Arthur Norton, who died Wednesday after a long illness.
Artie joined Beacon Hose in February 1974 and was a fixture here for decades and served in many different roles over that time: firefighter, truck replacement committee member, mechanic, fire police lieutenant, jokester, and friend. He remained dedicated to our department into his later years, when he would often spend his afternoons with his fellow old-timers sharing stories with the younger generation.
Artie was also a great family man, which extended to us at Beacon Hose. His wife, Janet, became one of the first female members of Beacon Hose as a longtime EMT, and his granddaughter, Kirsten, was a social member for years.
Calling hours will be held July 7 from 4-7 p.m. at Naugatuck Valley Memorial Funeral Home in Naugatuck, followed by a brief service at the funeral home July 8 at 10 a.m. and a procession from Naugatuck past Beacon Hose to Pinesbridge Cemetery. All ceremonies will be held with full fire department honors.
We will very much miss Artie’s sharp wit, sense of humor, and passion for Beacon Hose and the community. Our love and thoughts to out to Janet, Art’s big and loving family, and the many friends who were lucky enough to know him throughout the years.
