Norman Billington
Early Life
Norman Arthur Billington was born on August 9, 1896, in Rye, New York, the son of John Adams Billington Jr. and Nellie Murphy Billington. He was raised in Rye and educated in the local school system, growing up in a large family that remained deeply rooted in the community. He resided at 229 Purchase Street, a long-standing family address in Rye.
By the time of his draft registration, Billington was employed by Adams Express, working in a role associated with rail-based freight and express delivery, reflecting the importance of transportation networks in the regional economy of the early twentieth century.
World War I Service
Norman A. Billington entered military service on September 8, 1918, when he was inducted into the United States Army through Local Board No. 6 in Port Chester, New York. He was assigned to the 156th Depot Brigade, a unit responsible for receiving, organizing, equipping, and training soldiers for service during the final phase of World War I.
Depot brigades functioned as critical processing and training centers within the Army’s mobilization system, preparing large numbers of men for potential assignment to units of the American Expeditionary Forces. Billington’s service occurred during the closing months of the war, and like many late inductees, his duties remained stateside, focused on training and preparation rather than deployment.
He served in the rank of Private and was honorably discharged on December 27, 1918, following the Armistice and the rapid demobilization of forces.
Life After Service
Following his military service, Billington returned to Rye, where he remained a lifelong resident. He married Elizabeth Reardon in 1919, and together they raised a large family of eight children, establishing a deep and lasting family presence in the region.
He worked as a painting contractor, building a steady career in the trades and contributing to the local economy. He was also active in the community, including membership in the Church of the Resurrection in Rye.
Norman Arthur Billington died in August 1969 at United Hospital in Port Chester, New York, at the age of seventy-three.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his daughters, including Mrs. Norma Bennett of White Plains, Mrs. Audrey Quinlan of Rye, Mrs. Nancy McGuire of Wheaton, Illinois, Mrs. Sheila Snell of Hartsdale, Mrs. Moira Johnson of Burlington, Vermont, and Mrs. Judith Henry of Burlington, Vermont; his sister, Mrs. Blanche Burns of Port Chester; twenty-five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Reardon Billington.
He was buried in Greenwood Union Cemetery, concluding a life defined by family, work, and lifelong connection to Rye.