Our history dates back to 1912 when John L. Norton Sr. realized a need for funeral service in the MetroWest area.

In 1940, John’s oldest son, John L. “Jack” graduated from funeral school. In 1948, Robert P. Norton graduated from funeral school and joined his father and brother in the business. Thus creating the family business

In 1951 Bob and his wife Doris Norton of Framingham, purchased the current building at 53 Beech St. on the corner of Union Ave. in Framingham and together changed the name of the funeral home from John L. Norton and Sons Funeral Service to its current name, the Norton Funeral Home. In 1952 the doors to their new funeral home opened where they worked tirelessly to continue the traditions set forth by Bob’s father. In 1953, Bob and Doris became parents of their own to Michael R. Norton. In the mid 1970’s, Michael decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and step into the family business. He graduated from funeral school in 1977 and became a third generation N.E.I. graduate and a third-generation funeral director. He used the model of hard work and dedication set forth by his parents to graduate with highest honors and step into the family business. 

In June of 1986, Douglas L. Tersoni of Framingham graduated from the New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences and began working for the funeral home. Together with the help of Douglas, Michael continued to carry on the tradition that had been set forth by Bob and his father John.  In 2013, Michael’s wife Judy S Norton joined the family business.

Lastly, on November 1st, 2024, Brian C. McKinney, Robert J. Lawler, Jr. and William L. Lawler purchased the funeral home from the Norton family.  Brian, Bob and Bill have owned the McCarthy Funeral Home in Framingham since 2015, and Brian relocated to Framingham at that time from West Roxbury along with his wife Kerrin (Scolponeti), and their sons, Aidan, Colin and Devin.  They have been active figures in the Framingham Youth Hockey programs, and the kids have attended St. Bridget and Framingham Public Schools. Brian will manage both funeral homes, along with his sons, ensuring that the Norton name continues on as a Framingham and family owned business for years to come.