Richard A. Norton

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Richard A Norton, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, on December 31, 2024. He passed peacefully at his home in Monrovia, MD surrounded by family after battling declining health for several years. Known to family and friends as Dick, his life demonstrated that it was more blessed to give than to receive as evidenced by his generosity of time, knowledge and funds in support of others. 

He was born in Washington D.C on August 17, 1931 to parents William and Clara (Rasmussen) Norton and was raised there along with his siblings Alfred, Margaret and twin brother William. As a child, Dick enjoyed summers in his beloved “Cottage” in Port Tobacco, MD and that enjoyment extended throughout his life. After serving in the Army he attended the University of Maryland graduating with a B.S. in Microbiology. He began his career with the Food and Drug Administration and retired from the FDA in 1986. 

Dick met his beloved wife of 63 years, Nancy (Morris) in 1958 and they were married in 1961. They lovingly raised two daughters, Jennifer and Pamela in Rockville, MD. Those years included many cherished family vacations, extended family gatherings, attending and serving at St Paul’s Rock Creek Church and adventures at the Cottage in Port Tobacco where Dick shared his joy of life on the water including boating, water skiing, fishing, sailing and swimming. After retirement Dick spent time with his grandson’s, Christopher, Stephen, Daniel and Bradley Henry who gave him great joy. He shared knowledge of how to fix almost anything and his love of traveling and water sports. 

Dick is survived by: Wife, Nancy Norton; Daughter and Son in Law Jennifer and Raymond Henry; Daughter Pamela Clark; Grandchildren, Christopher Henry and his wife Rachel Henry, Stephen Henry and his wife Amy Henry, Daniel Henry, Bradley Henry; two great grandchildren, Ethan and Evelyn Henry and four nieces and nephews Allen Norton, Bill Norton, Donna Querido, Barbara Woody. 

A memorial service will be held at St Paul’s Rock Creek Parish, 201 Allison St NW Washington D.C. on February 15, 2024 at 11am. 

Donations may be made to the James Stockman Cancer Center, Frederick MD by visiting https://www.frederickhealth.org/about/donate/.