If you remember the rollickin’ Buffalo DJ Larry Snortin’ Norton – the one who landed in the Guinness Book of World records for logging 20+ non-stop days on the air and then spent days spinning aboard a Ferris wheel -- then you may be surprised at what this former “shock jock” is doing now.  I worked with Larry in September during the 30th anniversary of Make-A-Wish Radiothon, which was broadcast on 97 Rock and News 4. The Radiothon, first suggested by Norton, has raised millions of dollars over these three decades to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses.  Here’s my conversation with Larry, who retired from 97 Rock nine years ago and now lives in Florida. Jacquie Walker: Larry, folks have missed you in Western New York. What have you been doing? Larry Norton: I’ve been retired. I have a new life that has nothing to do with radio. My wife and I have been very blessed over the years, so we spend a lot of time doing charity work for our church. We’re working at the food pantry, we take communion to folks in a nursing home, and almost every day we’re doing something. You know, I’ve got a new boss now, and that’s the Lord. Jacquie: Interesting that you’re still doing charitable work, especially since you started the Make-A-Wish radiothon here in Western New York. How did that happen? Larry: It all started after I met a little boy named Micah from Albany, whose wish was to come to a Bills tailgate party. We were the voice of the Bills at the time on 97 Rock, so we helped facilitate that. Then I realized how many children in Western New York — hundreds — were suffering from life-threatening illnesses who could use a wish but couldn’t get one because there was no way to raise the money. So, we really helped out and have been partnering with Make-A-Wish for many years. It’s been wonderful. News 4's Jacquie Walker joined Larry Norton on 97 Rock during the Make-A-Wish radiothon on Sept. 12, 2024News 4's Jacquie Walker joined Larry Norton on 97 Rock during the Make-A-Wish radiothon on Sept. 12, 2024 Jacquie: You came back for the Radiothon’s 30th anniversary because your granddaughter asked you to… Larry: Yeah, I’m known for crying, if you didn’t know. We were going to go away for our 45th wedding anniversary — Barbara and I, Saint Barbara(!) — and Make-A-Wish asked if I could come back. I said we were going to be traveling. But our granddaughter, Aurora, was going to be 11, and she didn’t really realize what I used to do. She said, “Grandpa, you should go back.” So…it was really her who convinced me to come back. Jacquie: You have five beautiful grandchildren. Larry: Yeah, and you know, even when we had our two (children), we always felt like, not that by helping Make-A-Wish there’s any guarantee you’ll never go through what some of these kids are going through, but I always felt like at least I could do something. And now we’re blessed with five beautiful, healthy grandchildren. See more coverage of the 2024 Make-A-Wish Radiothon Jacquie: You said that you’re known as a crier. I think people might also remember you as a shock jock. Has that image changed? Larry: Funny story. Our pastor at our church in Florida is from Buffalo, and he didn’t realize that I was "Larry Snortin’ Norton" from Buffalo. When he found out, he was like, “Oh my God, I listened to you. I can’t believe it.” The one thing he said that was so cool was, “I always wondered what would happen to those fools — well, he didn’t say fools — but those shock jocks. What happens when they get older?” Well, here I am! In May, I turned 68, which I cannot believe. Let’s get close to 70. But yeah, it’s a change. I was always doing Make-A-Wish for 30 years and a lot of other charities, like the (Multiple Sclerosis Society) with you, so it was always part of my life. But now, I’ve learned to be a more humble, quieter person. I couldn’t have done that if I stayed in Buffalo and retired. By being in Florida, nobody knows who I am. Every once in a while, somebody will say, “You look familiar,” and then I have to say, “Yeah, I was Larry Norton.” But I really am a different person now, a better person — hopefully, I’m trying. Jacquie: Is there anything else that you would like people in Western New York to know about Larry Norton’s life now? Larry: I think that I’ve learned we’re all blessed, and we need to give back for all our blessings. We hustle through life with all the craziness, wrapped up in material goods, and working overtime to get more money to buy a new car. Life is short, and you need to be prepared and give thanks for all your blessings every day.  Jacquie: Amen. Larry: Amen to that. Latest Local News Cotter Fireboat getting ready to celebrate 125th anniversary Life after radio: Larry Norton’s surprising second act 2,000+ Buffalo drivers ticketed for passing stopped school buses so far in October Wegmans recalls frozen waffles, pancakes over Listeria concerns Second driver sentenced in Hamburg crash that killed passenger in 2023 *** Jacquie Walker is an award-winning anchor and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 1983. See more of her work here.