Patrick "Duke" Norton

Patrick "Duke" Henry Norton, 91, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2022 surrounded by his family.
Duke was born in Windsor, Ontario on May 23, 1930. His parents, Alfreda and Henry Patrick Norton, were both from Detroit, MI. He attended Assumption College High School in Windsor. He then went on to study Mechanical Engineering at University of Detroit from 1945 to 1949. In June of 1951, Duke was drafted into the United States Army and served two years as a Special Agent in the Counter Intelligence Corps in Miami, FL. After Honorable Discharge from the army, Duke returned to Detroit to marry his college sweetheart, Dorothy Ann McAllen, in October of 1953.
Duke started his career as a sales engineer for Udylite Corporation, selling automated electroplating equipment to industry in Western Michigan. He and Dorothy lived in East Grand Rapids and started their family. After a few years, Duke and Dorothy relocated back to Detroit when Duke was promoted to Sales Manager. After a few additional career moves, Duke founded his own company, Ionic International Inc, in 1965. After six years of steady growth, he sold Ionic International Inc. to American Smelting and Refining Company (Asarco). That was the beginning of Duke's string of successful businesses he founded and sold – Korest-Peterson Inc., Chemical Handling Equipment Co., and Classic Jet Craft. He had the Midas touch. Duke came out of retirement when he was asked to join a Detroit area investment banking firm as Managing Director of Mergers and Acquisitions. He loved wearing this hat for several years while still enjoying summers at Higgins Lake in northern Michigan and winters in Delray Beach, Florida.
Duke was a quintessential Irishman, always with a positive attitude. He will be remembered for his charming and magnetic personality. He was the life of the party whether playing the piano, telling a joke, or sharing a great story, whether it was true or not. He was a people person and made friends anywhere and everywhere he went.
Duke always got involved. He started the Ushers Club at St. Regis, was President of the Dad's Club at Marian High School and Brother Rice High School, starting their largest fundraiser event, Irish Night, years ago. He got involved in the local charity, Angels' Place, and formed the Archangels group to support their mission. And he was very persuasive in recruiting his friends to join all of these efforts. Duke was also the commodore at the Detroit Yacht Club and president of the Little Club Golf Course in Delray Beach, just to name a few of the other "jobs" he loved. He was a man who knew how to get stuff done.
But Duke may be best remembered for his collection of toys, especially boats. He loved the old "woodies" and enjoyed showing them at local boat shows. But he loved having cabin cruisers for the whole family to enjoy in Michigan and Florida. After retirement, Duke and Dorothy lived on their last and favorite boat, the Paddy Wagon, during the summers. These were his favorite years.
Duke's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will remember him for being the best role model and showing all of them what a family can be. The best parties were the family parties that Duke planned and hosted. His family will carry on his legacy. Slainte!
Duke is preceded in death by his wife Dorothy. He is survived by his sister Mary Margaret (Richard) Maguire who lives in Davenport, Iowa, and his eight children, Pat (Cindy) Norton, Mary Anne DeWitt, Susan Norton, Margie (Gerry) Marty, Mike (Judy) Norton, Tom (MaryBeth) Norton, John (Kristy) Norton, and Katie (Brian) Settle. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Duke will be so happy when we all gather to celebrate his life. Visitation will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Roads) on Sunday, March 13, from 1-6pm with a tribute and sharing of memories at 5pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 14, at 11am at St. Regis Catholic Church, 3690 Lincoln Road, Bloomfield Hills, immediately followed by a luncheon.
Memorials appreciated to one of Duke's favorite causes, Angels' Place (angelsplace.com/donate) or Lourdes Senior Community (lourdesseniorcommunity.org.