Donald Norton, 93

Donald Norton, who was born at home in East Hampton Village in 1923, died on July 29 at East End Hospice in Westhampton Beach at the age of 93. According to his friend and caregiver, Ed Rack, he had had six heart attacks and nine cardiac stents, and defied the doctors who, 13 years ago, gave him just six months to live.

Mr. Norton had two brothers, Willard Norton and Gerald Norton, both World War II veterans, and one sister, all of whom predeceased him. He was a son of Lillian Norton Thomas, who remarried after her first husband died, and Willard Norton, a builder and carpenter. He graduated from East Hampton High School, then in the same Newtown Lane building as the middle school. During World War II, Mr. Norton worked for a time at the War Shipping Administration in New York City. Back home, he spent the rest of his working life at the East Hampton Town Highway Department.

A private graveside ceremony was held at Green River Cemetery in Springs. Mr. Rack said his friend, who never married, was a good and kind man, anonymously giving gift certificates for shoes or other items that people he knew or met needed. He suggested that donations in Donald Norton’s name be sent to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach 11978.