David Richard Norcross

David Richard Norcross, 73, of Southport, NC (formerly of Jamesville, NY) died peacefully on April 28th after a two-year battle with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. At the time of his passing, David was surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home. David lived a full life that was marked by travel, family, athletics, and friends.

David lived more in miles than years, having traveled extensively to satisfy his endless curiosity of the world. Most recently, he and his wife enjoyed a trip to Eastern Europe, exploring Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Italy. In 2016 he walked 475 miles on the Camino de Santiago trail through Northern Spain, waiting out rainstorms under overpasses, sleeping under the stars, and growing a beard that rivaled Santa Claus. In 2006, he climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Other travels included visits to Mt. Everest in Nepal, fishing trips to Costa Rica, and pub crawls throughout Europe. 

Of all his journeys, the one he took as a father and husband were his most significant. He remains a pillar of enduring strength, patience, kindness, and love for his wife of 42 years, Karen (Valentine) of Southport, NC, and their children: Derek (Marisa) Norcross of Jamesville, NY and Paige (Christopher) Alonso of Charlotte, NC. He was a loving grandfather to Isla & Lena Norcross and Anders & Nolan Alonso. David is also fondly remembered by his brother in law, James Schardt, nieces, nephew, and their families. His family remembers that no matter the weather, he always knew the way to steer the ship.

Strong and athletic throughout his life he enjoyed sports and activities of all kinds. He cleared the way for his teammates as a right tackle, playing football at Alfred University. He had a passion for handball, and played at the Syracuse YMCA, his skill earned him the nickname “Retriever.” He had a love hate relationship with the game of golf, yet managed to hold 3 holes-in-one in multiple courses. David also enjoyed cruising on his boat and fishing trips to Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru with friends. 

David embraced many deep and long-term friendships throughout high school, college, and his professional career. All who met him were enamored by his sparkling blue eyes, passion for life, sense of humor, and generosity. David never had an unkind thing to say about anyone. His family is comforted by the outpouring of support from all of the special people in his life. 

He was a graduate of the 1966 class of Jamesville-Dewitt High school in Jamesville, NY and earned a Master’s Degree in English from Alfred University in Alfred, NY in 1971. 

In his professional life, David had a 35-year career as Vice President of Corporate Real Estate for the Penn Traffic Company and later retired as Managing Partner from the Pioneer Companies, both of Syracuse, NY.  

David was predeceased by his father, William Donald Norcross, mother, Jane Persse Norcross, sister, Donna (James) Schardt of Midlothian, VA, nephew, Eric Schardt, brother and sister in law, Robert & Marlene Valentine and nephew, Kevin Valentine. 

A private memorial will be held in Southport, NC. A Catholic mass and celebration of life will be held in Syracuse, NY at a date to be announced in the summer of 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com

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