John E. Orton III, retired RI Superior Court Justice, passed away September 20, 2019. He was the beloved husband of Denise (D’Abate) Orton and the late Sabra W. (Webb) Orton.
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late John E. and Irene (Shea) Orton Jr. Judge Orton was a graduate of Cranston High School, class of 1949, where he was class president, Cheshire Academy, class of 1950, Brown University, class of 1954, and the Boston University School of Law, class of 1962. He was a gifted athlete and proud member of the Brown University and Marine Corps football teams. He was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar Association in 1962 and practiced law in Warwick and Providence with Philip Noel, 1962-1969. Judge Orton was appointed as an Associate Justice of the RI District Court by Governor Frank Licht in 1969 and then appointed as an Associate Justice of the RI Superior Court by Governor Philip W. Noel in 1974, before retiring as acting presiding judge in 1991. Judge Orton served in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
John was the loving father of John W. Orton, Richard E. Orton (Karen) and Christopher M. Orton (Elizabeth); stepfather of Karen E. Soderi (Paul) andSheila J. Felice (John); loving grandfather of Stephanie, Heather, Alexandra, Emma, Jackson, Calvin, Daniel and Nicholas; loving great-grandfather of Gibson, Avery and Emma; and brother of Joyce Vanderwart. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, September 26 at 11 a.m. in St. Kevin Church, Sandy Lane. Private burial will follow in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. Visiting hours are Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 4-8 p.m. in Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to NEARI Children’s Fund, 99 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI 02920 would be appreciated. For information and condolences visit TheQuinnFuneralHome.com.
