Norton “Nort” W. Taylor, age 103, of Gouverneur, passed away on February 6, 2026 at home under the care of his loving family.
Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Friday, May 22, 2026 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. His funeral service will be held at the Gouverneur First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will be in Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Nort was born on April 7, 1922 in Gouverneur to the late Martin W. and Jessie (Robinson) Taylor. He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1940, and Clarkson University Radio Operators Classes in 1943 which was critical in his service in the United States Army Airforce during WWII in the Air Ground Aid Section in China, Burma, and the India Theatre where he served in Military Intelligence. He served from 1943 until his honorable discharge in 1945. After his military discharge, Nort used his GI Bill benefits to attend Albany College of Pharmacy. He graduated as a Pharmacist in 1949 and started full time employment with Kinneys in Massena.
Nort married Joan Brickey on September 1, 1951 at the Massena First United Methodist Church. They enjoyed traveling together and Nort enjoyed taking fishing trips. Joan passed away on March 26, 2001.
Nort had a very long career with Kinney Drugs. He worked as a general clerk from 1940 – 1942 and after his military and college years worked as an Assistant Store Manager from 1949 – 1953, Store Manager from 1953 – 1967, Store Supervisor and Merchandise Manager from 1967 – 1974, Vice President of Operation from 1974 –1976, President and CEO from 1978 – 1986 and Chairman of the Board from 1986 until his retirement in 2006. Nort continued his Kinney career working with the Kinney Foundation for a number of years.
He was very involved in his community. Nort served two terms as President of the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the E.J. Noble Hospital Fund Drive, Vice President of the Gouverneur Rotary Club, Member of the Gouverneur Planning and Zoning Board, Chairman of the St. Lawrence National Bank Advisory Board, Life Member of the Masonic Lodge #217, was an Elder and Deacon of the Gouverneur First Presbyterian Church, and was Director of the United Helpers Nursing Home and United Helpers Adult Home. In 1984 he was awarded the Albany College of Pharmacy Distinguished Service Medal.
He is survived by two children, Patricia (Mark) Hunt and Lisa (Phil) Joseph, a daughter-in-law Rita Taylor, nine grandchildren, Christopher (Lauren)Taylor, Ashley (Adrian) Moritz, Joshua Hunt, Aaron Hunt, Rebekah (Mike) Slafka, Sarah (John) Fisher, Jennifer (Dennis) Corey, Amanda (Taylor) Osgood and Danielle (Cory) McCann-Tam, 17 great-grandchildren, a niece, Miki Hopper, and a cousin, Katie Pistolesi.
Nort is predeceased by his wife, Joan Taylor, son, Mark Taylor, brother, Robert Taylor, sister, Peggy Hopper, and a grandson, Adam Reynolds.
Donations in memory of Norton Taylor may be made to the Kinney Foundation, 29 E. Main Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or the Gouverneur First Presbyterian Church, 22 Church Street, Gouverneur NY 13642.