David Joseph Atherton

David Joseph Atherton, 53, passed away unexpectedly in his Rutland VT home on September 15, 2025. He was born to Brian Atherton and Ramona Belanger on December 10, 1971.

Raised in Bristol, Vermont, David graduated from Mount Abraham Union High School in 1989. Often called "David Atherton, MD" (for Music Dictionary), will be remembered for his passion for music, his devotion to family and friends, and his remarkable ability to give 110% to everything he set his mind to–whether in his work, his community or his many projects.

David earned his Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies from Woodbury College and began his career with the Addison County Public Defender's Office. He went on to work with John Kirk as a real estate paralegal before opening his own independent office as a title searcher, establishing a respected career built on integrity and thoroughness.

Prior to his move to Rutland, he and his family resided in Brandon for 15 years. As a proud resident of Brandon, David became deeply involved in the community, attending events, supporting businesses, and serving on the Select board, both as a member and as the Chair. After three years of service, he was hired on as the Town Manager, employed for 8 years and his main focus was to oversee the important Segment 6 Project and revitalization of Brandon.

He was immensely proud of this work and of all he was able to contribute to the town.

Following the completion of Segment 6, David continued his career in municipal leadership, serving as Vice Chair of Rutland Regional Transportation Council (2019-present), Board Member of VLCT/PACIF (2016-present), State Transportation Board (2024-present), serving as Town Manager in Pittsford and later in Killington, where he worked the last 6 months of his life.

David will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments, but also for the kindness, dedication, and love he shared with those around him. His legacy lives on in the communities he served and in the hearts of all who knew him.

To know David was to hear his opinions, to know that his love and loyalty superseded any momentary disagreement, and to understand that his people mattered to him above anything else. To be his friend meant you could call on him night or day and he would show up with what was needed. He mowed your lawn when you couldn't, fixed your faucet, brought you a bottle of wine, and sometimes just showed up unannounced to fix whatever he noticed was broken last time he was visiting. And he always shared his music, whether you liked it or not.

David loved his family above all else and spent every opportunity with them. He traveled the state to attend his daughter's high school field hockey games, then later to UConn to see her whenever her schedule allowed. He zealously supported his son's music and was his band's number one fan. And his first choice in companions to concerts or other events were his wife and kids.

David was pre-deceased by his parents Brian Atherton and Ramona Belanger and sister in law Marie Miller.

He is survived by his wife Heather Norton and their two children, Benjamin (22) and Elizabeth (19); siblings William Atherton and wife Cynthia, Stephen Atherton and wife Rita, Mary Atherton, Laura Griggs and husband Carroll, and Robert Atherton; sisters in law Amy Norton, Hilary Norton and her partner Matt Lowry, and Ashley (Norton) Vandeweert and her husband Joe; father in law Gary Norton; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends, colleagues and music aficionados.

A service to honor David's life will be held Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 1pm at the Proctor/Pittsford Country Club with a party to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dave Atherton's Music Education Fund by visiting his page on Ever Loved, at https://everloved.com/life-of/david-atherton-rutland-vt/.

Posted online on September 22, 2025

Published in Burlington Free Press