Donald M Norbury

With hearts full of both sorrow and love, we remember the remarkable life of Donald M. Norbury Sr. of Ocala, FL, who passed away peacefully July 5, 2026 at age 88.

Don was a person of sharp wit, humor, and resolve, who went to exceptional lengths to provide for the well-being of his family and friends. Those who knew him will fondly recall his good-natured ribbing, vivid storytelling, boisterous laugh, picture-perfect golf swing, and fondness for all things sweet…particularly chocolate.

Born in Cape May Court House, New Jersey to Lester and Lucy Norbury, Don became the champion of his local golf club at age 14. He was twice named to the All-American team at the University of Pennsylvania (second team junior year and first team senior year, among such recognizable names as Jack Nicklaus, John Konsek, and Dean Beman). He was later inducted into their Hall of Fame with a 41-4 record, having played all matches at the No. 1 spot. Don remained a world-class amateur golfer for many decades, even while serving in the army and building successful businesses in the accounting, aviation, and oil industries. Don was as masterful a teacher of golf as a player, honoring innumerable requests beginning, “Hey Don, could you take a look at my swing?” Despite a lifetime of fiercely competitive golf, Don always insisted on giving his kids a mulligan.

On the rare occasion Don wasn’t on the golf course, he could be found flying airplanes (often to play golf), constructing model ships, building a fully functional Ford Model T replica, or taking swings at building new companies - including a burger hut, a putter company, and a car wash.

Don is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Marie; his children, Linda (Kirk) Petrill, Heather Norbury (Dan Montalto), and Don Jr. (Diana) Norbury; his brother Leslie (Mary) Norbury; his six grandchildren, Joshua (Lauren) Kell, Bethany (Patrick) Rich, Tori (Dylan) Albright, and Mario, Carlo, and Leona Norbury-Montalto; and his five great-grandchildren, Zephaniah and Zara Kell, Logan and Cate Rich, and Noelle Albright .

Two memorial services will be offered in Don’s honor: A mass will be offered Friday, August 7th at 11am at Blessed Trinity Church in Ocala, with a reception to follow at the same location. A graveside service will be offered Saturday, August 8th at 10am at Highland Memorial Park in Ocala. A reception at The Country Club of Ocala will follow.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Don’s lifelong passion for golf, the family welcomes memorial contributions in Don’s name to the PGA Jr. League Scholarship Fund for youth golfers. Donations can be made online at https://www.pgajrleague.com/donate.