David William Norton

David William Norton died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at 81 years old. Dave was the son of Jessie Porfert Norton and John F. Norton. brother of Robert C. Norton (Jane) and Richard Norton (Lorna) and his nephews and nieces: Cheryl, Richard, Jonathan, Michael, Lisa, Kimberly, and Keith Norton. Dave was the loving son-in-law of James L. and Dorothy C. Cadigan, Sr., he was a brother-in-law to James L. Cadigan, Jr (Colleen), Thomas M Cadigan (Susan), and Edward J. Cadigan (Pam). He was “Uncle Dave” to Ryan, Jennifer, Julie, Patrick, Brad, Catherine, Mark, and Michaela Cadigan.

Dave was the husband to the love of his life, Mary Cadigan Norton, for 56 years. He was the beloved father to Kathleen N. Doyle (Joseph) of Hingham, Christine N. Kay (Matt) of Hingham, Colleen N. O’Driscoll (Neal) of Hingham, and Helene M. Norton of Milton. He was the grandfather known as ‘Papa Z’ to Matthew W. Kay (Samantha), William D. Kay (Blake), John P. Kay (Jeana), Anna Kay, Patrick N. O’Driscoll (Abigail), Máire C. O’Driscoll, Liam H. O’Driscoll, Caitlín N. O’Driscoll, Séamus N. Doyle, Michael N. Doyle, Jacob N. Doyle and Winter N. Russell, James N. Russell, and Fay N. Russell. Great grandfather to Charlotte K. Kay and Mary A. Kay.

Dave was born in Quincy, the youngest of three sons and grew up in Houghs Neck-Germantown. He graduated from Quincy High in 1962, he played baseball and basketball. Living near the water, he became a very strong swimmer. Summers were spent as head camp counselor and golf caddy at the Wianno Club in Osterville. At sixteen, he worked part-time as a stock boy in Milton’s men’s clothing store in Quincy. With a strong work ethic, he quickly became manager of their “Key Club” for boys clothing and later as the company grew, Dave became Head Buyer and Milton’s Merchandise Manager for over 19 years. He was also a member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard of the Commonwealth Armory in Boston, MA for seven years.

While working at Milton’s, he met Mary and married her after she finished college in 1969. Together, they made their home in Hingham where they raised four daughters and welcomed the smiles of 14 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Dave continued as a retail executive becoming Vice President of the Casual Male for six years. As a skillful negotiator, he and the president took the company from private investors to public stockholders. Dave retired at the young age of 44 to spend more time with his family.

Dave loved music, playing golf, and rooting for all Boston Sports, especially, the Sox. An avid reader, knowledgeable on a variety of subjects, he enjoyed engaging in conversations with the old and young. Movies and bowling were always fun and full of laughter with his “grands” at sleepovers. Dave and Mary’s family home was welcoming to all, every night was a good night for the grandchildren to stay over. He enjoyed family road trips; down the Cape, to Disney, and across the country to Alaska. Most recently, he and Mary drove to a grandchild’s wedding in Dallas, TX. Despite his deteriorating health, he even drove to New York City upon hearing about the arrival of his 2nd great grandchild. Family was Dave’s priority. He cherished being a husband, dad, and ‘Papa.’ He loved his home life with ‘Mares’, his daughters, and his Grands. He reflected by saying, “I am prouder of my family than any other achievement in my life.”

After 20 years of retirement, Dave worked part-time as a corporate livery driver. While his grandchildren’s eyes would widen as he casually shared stories about who he drove, Dave was always professional and unassuming. Dave’s lifelong generosity and selflessness was an admired virtue. Helping his family and others quietly achieve their goals, brought him a deep sense of contentment. Dave brought honesty, integrity, and wisdom to the table for family celebrations.

Most recently, Dave handled serious health challenges with resilience, strength, and resolve. His actions spoke volumes about his true character, how to live each moment as a new beginning with joy and an open heart. He lives on in the generations he and Mary created.

A celebration of Dave’s life was on Friday, February 27th, 2026 at the Collaborative Parishes of Resurrection and St. Paul, he rests at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Hingham, MA.

Donations may be made in memory of David W. Norton to Medicines for Humanity, 800 Hingham Street, Suite 200N, Rockland, MA 02370 medicinesforhumanity.org