ROCKLAND — Robert “Bob” S. Norton, 83, passed away unexpectedly and very peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of Friday, January 9, 2026. Bob was born in Vinalhaven on June 19, 1942, to Charles and Helen (Stoneman) Norton. He left the island at the age of five and moved to Washington, Maine, where he lived with his grandmother and was educated locally.

At the age of 17, Bob joined the Navy in March 1960, serving on the USS Ingraham. He was stationed in Virginia as well as the Port Lyautey Naval Air Station in Morocco. Upon his return home in November 1963, he began working for the Courier Gazette, where he learned the printing business. He spent years printing the local newspaper and many books, eventually serving as the foreman of the pressroom.

In 1980, Bob left the Courier Gazette to start his own business, Bob’s Woodworking Shop, creating custom furniture and items for tole and decorative painters. In 1995, he joined William Dougherty as a builder, constructing high-end houses throughout the Knox County area. Following his semi-retirement at age 62, Bob returned to his woodworking business, which he continued to enjoy until his passing.

Bob met the love of his life, Cindy Auspland, in early 1966. On their first date in January, the spark was immediate. By April, he asked her to marry him. She famously replied, “Maybe someday, but I really don’t know you very well yet.” He asked again in the early summer; that time she said yes. They were married in September and made their home in Rockland.

While they had no children of their own, in 2010 Bob discovered he had a biological son. Upon meeting, they were delighted to find they were alike in many ways and truly enjoyed each other’s company over the last 15 years.

In his earlier years, Bob loved spending time at his camp on Pitcher Pond in Lincolnville. He totally remodeled the structure and hand-crafted much of the furniture himself. In later years, he affectionately renamed it “The Labor Camp,” as there was always a project that needed doing—often taking him away from his much-loved word puzzles.

Bob was a Lifetime Member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks 1008 and a member of the American Legion Post 1. In recent years, he and Cindy enjoyed visiting the Elks or the Legion for a couple of cocktails and conversation with friends. He never left without telling a joke or two to leave the crowd laughing. Though Cindy often teased him that his jokes were “inappropriate,” the laughter they sparked suggested otherwise.

Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cindy Norton; his sisters, Nancy (Dave) Hamilton and Mary Dyer, both of Rockland; and his brother Paul Norton of Florida. He is also survived by his son, Gary Miller (Cheryl) of Stow, Massachusetts; his grandchildren, Robert (Shannon) Miller, Eric (Jennifer) Miller, and Lauren (Scott) Patten; several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers Raymond, Adelman, Leslie, Richard, and Donald.

As Bob requested no formal service, he will be remembered by the friends and family who miss him with a “Cocktail Toast” party in his backyard this coming summer.

If you would like to share a memory or condolence with Bob’s family may do so on their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.