Norman S. Davitt

Norman S. Davitt

COSHOCTON: Norman S. Davitt died on November 19, 2014 surrounded by loving family and friends.

He was born October 8, 1943 and was adopted by Joseph and Ruth Davitt and lived with them in Washington, DC until their deaths in 1957. Afterwards he was raised by guardian parents, the late John and Virginia Hanson of South Bend, Indiana. He grew up with their sons John (Patty) Hanson, and Rob (Mary) Hanson, who survive.

In 1969 he married Cynthia (Cindy) Yacso and together they had two children, Kendra Davitt of Bay Village, Ohio, and Justin (JJ) Davitt of Government Camp, Mount Hood, Oregon, who survive.

Norm graduated from Purdue University in 1969, and was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. While studying at Purdue, Norm attained the rank of Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1977. Upon graduation, the Davitts moved to Coshocton, Ohio where he worked first as assistant law director and then as Coshocton County Public Defender. Upon retiring he became an acting judge for Municipal Court. Norm was also a founding board member of the Coshocton Community Housing Board.

He loved music, and played piano, guitar and banjo. He enjoyed travelling and his many adventures with golf, sailing, fishing, hiking, gardening, and card playing.

A memorial mass for Norm is scheduled at Sacred Heart Church in Coshocton, Ohio at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 29 with the Reverend Victor Wesolowski presiding. Beginning at 4:00 p.m., friends and family will share memories at the meeting room of the Coshocton Village Inn and Suites. The celebration of life will continue throughout the evening. Friends are asked to bring a favorite "Norm" story to share. There will be plenty of food and refreshments. This is truly a celebration, come and enjoy remembrances of Norm.

Norm was unwavering in his support of Coshocton youth, whether it was coaching little league, being a Big Brother of the year, assisting as golf coach at Ridgewood, or helping youthful drug offenders whenever possible. Norm has been described as having a generous spirit, "including everyone, excluding no one."

Norm helped establish the Juvenile Drug Court for Coshocton. The scholarship fund established in Norm's honor would help troubled youth who have a real chance at making positive life changes. If you would like to contribute, checks may be made payable to:

Coshocton County Juvenile Court, c/o of the Honorable Van Blanchard, 426 Main Street, Coshocton, Ohio 43812. In the memo line, please note the "Norm Davitt Juvenile Court Scholarship Fund."