Honoring the Legacy of Former Friar Men’s Hockey Hero, Who Passed Away at 38

On January 11, the Providence College community mourned as they bid farewell to a hockey hero as he unexpectedly breathed his last. In the heart of Providence’s sporting legacy, a name has been etched in the ice and will be eternally remembered. 

Former Friar Men’s hockey player Pierce Norton continued to gracefully navigate the rink, leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of hockey enthusiasts. Norton’s journey did not end within the boundaries of the rink. He had not only left behind a vibrant ice hockey legacy but he left an enduring impact in the realms of service.

Former Friar Pierce Norton’s last chapter at 38

Former Friar men’s hockey player Pierce Norton ’09 left the earthly abode at the tender age of 38. Steve Napolillo, the Athletic Director of the Providence College shared, “The Providence College community is saddened by the news of the passing of Pierce”. He further shared, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. They will always be a part of the Friar community”. 

Norton was a native resident of South Boston and his hockey career started in the year 2004, when he was just 19 years old. His junior year in 2007-08 was a highlight, marking career-highs in goals, assists, and points. Playing in more than 135 games at Providence College, where he graduated in 2009, he brought home 59 points. In the ninth round of the NHL Entry Draft in 2004 Norton was selected as a player for Toronto Maple Leafs. 

On January 17 the loving family of Pierce Norton arranged for a funeral mass on Wednesday morning in St. Brigid Church. Visits will be allowed on Tuesday, a day before the funeral, in St. Brigid Church, 841 East Broadway, South Boston, from 4 pm to 7 pm. 

Besides being an extraordinary athlete, he was also a valued member of the police department in Boston. Norton seamlessly transitioned from his hockey career to becoming an active-duty officer. From December 2013, he was an officer of the Boston Police Department. 

Pierce Norton’s enduring legacy in ice hockey and service, remembered and mourned

Since 2018, Norton has also been serving the Citywide Bicycle Unit. He continued to earn recognition and respect for his unwavering passion and commitment. He was always celebrated in both the fields of sports and service. 

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His dear family has been mourning the sudden death of Norton. He has been survived by his beloved but unfortunate wife Brittani Smith and a loving child Pierce Salvatore Norton.  Norton’s sisters Lauren Wilson and Catherine Beaty are grief-stricken by Norton’s unfortunate death.

Norton’s legacy will continue to resonate in the ice hockey community’s heart beyond the crowd cheers and the clash of sticks. We would pray that the pain and sorrow the family has been experiencing is eased and they gather the strength to face the challenges of grief and find inner peace.

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