David M. Norton, age 66, a lifelong resident of Orange, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and close friends, on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Yale New Haven Hospital. He was born on September 28, 1951 to the late Julius and Lillian Whelan Norton. A well regarded and respected businessman all his life, he started Norton’s Landscaping at the age of 16 in 1967. At the age of 24, he purchased Norton’s Sunoco Station on the Boston Post Road in Orange, which he owned for 40 years from 1975 to 2015. “Papa Norts” was well loved by all. He meant so much to many people. He enjoyed playing and coaching softball and sponsored many men’s and women’s softball teams where he was affectionately known as “Coach”. He will be remembered as a hard-working entrepreneur, an avid boater, enjoyed camping and a lover of animals. He enjoyed collecting many different types of memorabilia. He had an infectious smile, beautiful blue eyes and a firm handshake, which was important to him. His loving and giving soul will live on in the memory of his family and many friends. Mr. Norton is survived by his devoted wife, Sallyanne, son David M. Norton Jr., sister Laurie Norton Luce, brother-in-law Matt Luce and their two children Matthew and Julie (his Goddaughter). Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Arthur Norton and sister Kathy Norton. Family, friends and others whose lives David touched are invited to the Smith Funeral Home, 135 N. Broad St., Milford on Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 4pm-8pm to reminisce, grieve, support one another and to celebrate his life. A funeral service will be held at the Orange Congregational Church, 205 Meetinghouse Lane, Orange at 10am on Friday, March 2nd. Interment will follow in the Orange Center Cemetery. Donations may be made in his name to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at ASPCA.org.
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