Norton (Norty) Halber, a resident of Marblehead since 1971, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the presence of his son at the Harriett & Ralph Kaplan Estates in Peabody. He leaves his wife of 39 years, Dorthy Halber (best friend and tennis partner); son, Eric; and grandson, Matthew. He also leaves longtime friends Jesse Kajko and Bill Smalley; daughter-in-law, Jodie Titus, her husband Cal Titus; and their children Rachel and Zachery.
Norton was born on August 1, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio to Ann and Sam Halber. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Northwestern University in 1953, Norton worked in the early computer industry. He retired from Blue Cross of Massachusetts in 1992 as a manager of computer systems.
Norton was an avid drummer/percussionist and rubbed shoulders as a teenager with Buddy Rich and Lionel Hampton. He played in several local swing bands. He won Best of Show in the Marblehead Arts Festival for his short story. He enjoyed reading and listening to jazz and opera.
His main interests were sailing and sports. A self-taught sailor, over several decades, Norton could be seen sailing single-handed through Marblehead harbor. He was an accomplished golfer (made a hole-in one-at the Beverly Golf and Tennis Club) and tennis player. At a younger age he played in the national slow-pitch softball championship after helping his team win the Cleveland, Ohio, city title. He continued his softball antics in local leagues in Marblehead and Swampscott. He was active in, and a former president of, the Salem Explorers, where he also taught classes in jazz.
Later in life, he discovered bridge, playing locally at the Marblehead Council on Aging and online. His unique sense of humor (Monty Python and Rodney Dangerfield), kindness and smile will be greatly missed.
