Ross Norton
WELLINGTON – Ross Norton, the best husband, dad, grandfather, friend and brother, passed away in his home Monday, Jan. 26, 2004, at the age of 79.
He was born to Lafe and Vida Norton Feb. 21, 1924 in Kiz (Clarks Valley). He married the love of his life, Melene Burnett Norton, on Feb. 12, 1945 in Wellington.
Ross served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the South Pacific.
He was a member and served in local and district offices of the UMWA, was a delegate at the Democratic National Convention in 1956 and a member of the LDS Church.
His greatest joy in life was his wife and family. He loved fishing and camping. He was a coal miner, policeman and a master craftsman. He enjoyed sharing his many projects with family and friends.
Survived by sweetheart, Melene; children, Barry (Lynda) Norton, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Cathy (Jack) LaRose, Wellington; Debra (Russell) Hobbs, Woods Cross; Leslie (Wayne) Woodward, Price; Tracy World, Magna; 22 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; brother and sister, Donna (Dale) Jensen, Bruce (Gwenda) Norton; brothers and sisters-in-law, Elaine Norton, Irene Salzetti, Floyd and Lila Golding, Charles and Phyllis Bradshaw, Norton Burnett; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Lafe and Vida; grandchild, Tami Norton; great-grandchild, Seth Howes; brothers, Darrell, Melvin, Glen and Carl; and sister, Vivian.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Jan. 29, 1 p.m., at the Wellington LDS Stake Center. Friends may call for a viewing Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fausett Mortuary and from noon to 12:45 p.m. prior to services at the church. Burial, Wellington Cemetery.
Dan Pilling
PRICE/MOAB – On Jan. 26, 2004 following a long illness, Dan Mason Pilling passed away surrounded by his family.
Dan was born in Helper on Aug. 14, 1929 to Cleon Pilling and Laura Grundvig Pilling.
His family moved to Price in 1931, where he grew up and went to school. He worked in the family dairy business with his father, uncles, brothers and cousins until 1949.
He married the love of his life, Jerry Dowd Pilling, on April 24, 1951 and their marriage was later solemnized in the LDS Temple.
He was in the U.S. Army when they married and immediately left to serve as a field wireman in the Korean Conflict. His tour of duty was from 1950 to 1951, where he was honored with a Marksmanship medal and was involved in three major conflicts.
In 1951, he came home to his wife and they started their family. They moved to Kenil-worth, where he worked in the dairy business as well as the coal mines until 1963.
They moved for the last time and made Moab their home. He worked in the uranium mines from 1963 to 1967, when he went to work for Garrett Freightlines. He retired in 1988 and remained in Moab until his death.
His main focus in life was his wife and children. His greatest joy was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dan will be remembered as a man who never met a stranger and, through his respect and admiration of others, he will be missed by many.
He loved being involved with politics and once served as chairman and vice-chairman of the Democratic Party. He also loved hunting, fishing, friends and a good family dinner.
Dan is survived by his loving wife, Jerry; and five children, Dan (Norella) Pilling of Wellington; Cheryl (Royce) Axtel of Wellington; Julie (Gary) McKinnon of Moab; Kurt Pilling of Moab; and Joey (Scott) Allred of Moab. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Jason, Kasee, Heidi, Gavin, Shauna, Justin, Alishia, Stevie, Logan, Ricky, Cory and Molly, and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Dale Pilling and Doug Pilling; and sister, Merleen Anderson. His parents; one sister, Kathryn Pilling Foster; and one special son-in-law, Gregg Holland, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be Friday, Jan. 30, 11 a.m, at the LDS Church at 475 West 400 North in Moab, with Bishop Merrill Hugentobler officiating. A gathering of friends and family will be at the mortuary at 411 Locust Lane, Thursday, Jan. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m.
John Giordano
HELPER – Frank John Giordano, age 71, passed away Jan. 27, 2004 at his home in Helper.
Born Jan. 2, 1933 in Royal to Angelo and Helen Verde Giordano. Married Lois Willis Nov. 23, 1957 in Helper.
John was a lifelong member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Helper. Member of Stella D’America Italian 77. Retired from D&RGW with 30 years of dedicated service.
John loved baseball and playing for the Helper American Legion.
A talented woodworker, John loved to share his creations with everyone. He enjoyed fishing and hunting
After his retirement, he enjoyed many vacations, thanks to a special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruth and Ben Wharff.
John had a kind heart and a kiss for all the ladies. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and community of friends.
Survived by wife, Lois Giordano, Helper; four daughters, Kathy (Don) Fausett, Helper; Sandy Funcannon, Salt Lake City; Mona (Paul) Jara-millo, Price; Judy (Darin) Olson, Helper; brother, Daniel “Naz” Giordano, Helper; sons-in-law, Dave Funcannon and Jeff Wright, both of Price; 12 loving grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents and a nephew, Michael Giordano.
Funeral Mass Saturday, January 31, 10 a.m., St. Anthony Catholic Church. Vigil service Friday evening, 7 p.m., at the church in Helper. Family will be at St. Anthony’s Friday and Saturday one hour prior to services. Committal service, Mountain View Cemetery, Helper, under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home.