Many Mourn Loss of Educator and Dedham Devotee Bill Norris

DEDHAM, MA. -- It was a devastating loss to many in Dedham when Natick-resident Bill Norris passed away suddenly on May 7, 2020 from a heart attack. Bill was an unabashed super fan of Dedham, a perennial regular at many Dedham establishments and events, and was even a long-time subscriber to the Dedham Times.

For more than twenty years, Bill worked at the educational media company FableVision, most recently at its satellite location in Dedham Square. The title on his business card read “The Dot Connector,” and true to form, he loved connecting the dots with the Dedham community as he frequented many of his favorite venues including Tremezzo, Kouzina, The Blue Bunny (where he worked behind the counter for its first four years,) Mocha Java (during the Carlson family days, and then at its current location), Oscar’s, El Centro, Dedham Community Theatre, and Horse Thieves Tavern.

He was hooked on coffee frappes from Ron’s Ice Cream, and had a penchant for raspberry lime rickeys from Big Bear Cafe. Bill was also a fixture as a volunteer at the North Star Children’s Ramble for nearly two decades.

Throughout all of his interactions in Dedham, and beyond, Bill was known for his thoughtfulness, compassion, and sense of fun. He had a hearty laugh and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Bill never forgot anyone he met and always made them feel important. The hundreds of heartfelt condolences that have been coming in from around the globe underscore his enduring impact.

To honor Bill’s memory, FableVision founder Peter H. Reynolds has announced news of a scholarship in his name. “To honor Bill’s memory, we have established the Bill Norris Memorial Scholarship Fund, to help support young people navigate their full potential. Bill believed that every young person deserves a chance - especially those who may be struggling in some way. Donations are greatly appreciated to help continue Bill’s legacy of caring and compassion.” Donations can be made through the nonprofit The Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning & Creativity at www.tinyurl.com/billnorris, or can be mailed to FableVision/Reynolds Center TLC ℅ P.O. Box 1242, Dedham, MA 02027.

John Fortin, owner of the Dedham Grateful Diner has donated $500 dollars in gift certificates to support the Bill Norris Memorial Scholarship Fund. The first twenty people who donate $100 or more will receive a $25 dollar gift certificate in grateful appreciation for their generosity.

Supporting education was a life-long passion for Bill. He earned a degree in elementary education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, two advanced degrees from Lesley University in curriculum design and administration, and a certificate in organizational development from Bentley College.

After 22 years as an elementary and middle school teacher, Title I director, and district leader in Watertown, Massachusetts, and senior project director at MCET/Mass Interaction and the JASON Foundation for Education, Bill joined FableVision and spent another two decades championing creativity, literacy, and purposeful learning. At FableVision/Reynolds Center TLC, Bill helped advance the mission of nurturing every learner’s full potential, including tireless support for his favorite day of the year - International Dot Day. With his support the global celebration of creativity and courage to make one’s mark has reached nearly 17 million teachers, librarians and students in 185 countries. This year Dot Day will be dedicated to Bill Norris - celebrating the mark he made around the world with his love, creativity and thoughtfulness.