Obituary of Thomas H. Van Norton

GOUVERNEUR – Thomas Howard Van Norton, age 68, of Gouverneur, passed away on March 27, 2025. Arrangements are incomplete with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Tom was born on May 16, 1956 in Gouverneur to the late Howard and Helene "Hon" (Curtis) Van Norton. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School and married Sheila Marie Church on December 24, 1974 at the Gouverneur Presbyterian Church. Tom served in the United States Army from 1974 until his honorable discharge in 1977. He had worked as an installer for Solar Science Industries in Beltsville, MD and as a tent setter for HDO Productions in Rockville, MD where he got to set up the tent for the Presidential Premier of Superman 3, meeting Christopher Reeve, Richard Pryor, and George H. Bush. Tom then spent 30 years working for IKEA in Baltimore, Long Island, New Jersey, Utah and retired in New Jersey in 2018. Tom was an outdoorsman and avid hunter. He loved to read (at least 2 books a week), play golf, and greatly enjoyed the National Parks, especially in Utah. He was actively involved and coached the High School Trap Team, was a member and Secretary of the Gouverneur Rod and Gun Club, and was a member of the Northern Tier Trap League. Tom is survived by his daughter, Amber Lynn Van Norton, granddaughter, Zoe Campbell, and brothers-in-law, Richard "Dick" Davis and Greg Poche. He is predeceased by his parents, Howard and Helene "Hon" Van Norton, and his sisters, Judy Davis and Kay Van Norton-Poche.