David A. Norton

1932 - 2021

PITTSFIELD - David A. Norton, age 88, passed away on Monday, June 7, 2021, surrounded by the love of his children at Berkshire Medical Center after a brief illness.

Born in Pittsfield, MA on August 4, 1932, David was the son of the late Frederick George and Elizabeth Arilla (Place) Norton. He was educated in local schools and joined the US Navy right out of high school. He earned the rank of Seaman and was honorably discharged in November of 1954.

Upon his return home, David work briefly for General Electric, before being hired by the City of Pittsfield, as a police officer from 1957-1969. He then began his career as a fireman for the City and retired on March 11, 1988 after 19 dedicated years to the Fire Department and 31 years total for the City.

A man great in stature, David was even greater in his desire to help others. His entire life was spent for the betterment of those around him. A true gentleman, David's greatest joy was to spend time with his wife, the former Elizabeth V. Moon,. and his family. Betty passed away on June 21, 2012, just days after their 55th wedding anniversary.

As a young single man, David was a race car driver. While living in Florida after his military career ended, he drove the speedways down there, winning some races and meeting many soon to be famous drivers. When he returned back to Pittsfield, he began driving "ol Number 2" at Lebanon Valley Speedway with his Uncle Junie Place. Winning many times, including the night his daughter, Debbie was born. His love of NASCar had never left him to the end. Weekends found him in front of the TV watching the races.

Dave spent many years as a member of the Berkshire Beagle Club in Richmond. He made many life-long friends there. Dave and Betty were campers and loved to travel the country in their younger years. In his later years he spent his summers traveling to Hit and Miss Engine shows with his son-in-law Ed, throughout New England and New York State. Dave was always up for an adventure and ready to go. One of his favorite things to do was to meet his friends, seven days a week, for morning coffee and daily gossip, at his "club house" a mile from home. You could usually find him there. The family wishes to express their appreciation to all of those friends who spent time with Dave and gave of their friendship.

He is survived by his children: two daughters, Deborah Norton-Kuni (Edward), of Pittsfield and Kathleen A. McMahon-Norris (Steve) of Cave Creek, AZ, two sons, Daniel A. Norton (Jen) also of Pittsfield, and Edward C. McMahon Sr. (Gloria) of Richmond. He leaves seven grandchildren, Edward Kuni, Casey Norris, Kyle and Jennifter Norton, Edward, Thomas and Joseph McMahon and all of their spouses. He also leaves 10 Great Grandchildren who he loved to spend time with. Additionally, Dave is survived by his aunt Cora Belle Hatch of Canaan, New York, and nephew, Mitchell Norton of Georgia, as well as many nieces, nephews and other members of the Norton and Moon family.

In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his loving wife, Betty, and his brother Raymond A. Norton who died in 1981.

SERVICES: Friends are invited to visit with Mr. Norton's family on THURSDAY, June 10th from 9:30-10:30 at the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to: "Berkshire Humane Society" and mailed to the funeral home at 40 Maplewood Ave. Pittsfield, MA 01201