Dennis J. Norton

Dennis J. Norton, 67, of Bayville, NJ and Osprey, FL, passed away peacefully at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC in the early morning of Saturday, October 8, 2022. 
  
Born in Teaneck, NJ on Christmas Eve in 1954 to Elwin and Marguerite Norton, Dennis was the youngest of eight children. He graduated from Central Regional High School, studied Civil Engineering at Ocean County College and had a successful 37-year career with Exelon at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Forked River, retiring in 2016.  

Dennis was pre-deceased by his parents, brothers, Robert and Roy Norton and sister, Patricia Egan.  He is survived by his loving partner of 25 years, Patricia Poyner, stepdaughter Michele Poyner, four siblings and their spouses, Richard & Camille Norton, Ronald & Virginia Norton, Kevin & Barbara Norton, and Kathleen & Joseph Mobilio, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Dennis' life was far too short, but it was a good one. He didn't waste time talking about the things he wanted to do. Instead, he made them happen.  He motorcycled all over the country visiting our beautiful national parks, he found his piece of heaven on the Gulf coast of FL and had the fishing boat of his dreams built for his retirement, he spent a lifetime of summers boating on the Barnegat Bay and body surfing on Island Beach State Park, and he created the most stunning landscape designs on his properties. His love of landscaping inspired by the rose gardens that his father cultivated when Dennis was young.

Dennis always described his mother as being 'pure love' and in that way he followed in her example.  He spread his love to everyone at every opportunity, always ready to lend a hand, always ready to give his time, whether he knew you or not. In return he was rewarded with enduring friendships, some as old as 55 years, others less than 5, but no less rich. Dennis was a role model, a protector, a gentleman, and a unique character. Truly one of a kind. His absence is profound.
  
Family and friends may visit Thursday, October 13th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Layton's Funeral Home, 250 W. Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ.  A Memorial Service will be held Friday at 11:00am at the funeral home. Private cremation to follow
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dennis' memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering (mskcc.org) or Save Barnegat Bay (savebarnegatbay.org).

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