Former detective and firefighter Matthew Norton dies at 49

Matthew Norton, 49, of Lumberton, peacefully passed away Sunday, July 28 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in Manhattan surrounded by his beloved family and close friends.

Born in Trenton, Matt was raised in Hamilton by his doting mother, Marge Norton, along with his two sisters. Matt was a graduate of Steinert High School and was a proud firefighter of the Mercerville Fire Co. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven.

Matt proudly started his decorated law enforcement career as a detective with the NY/NJ Waterfront Commission Police Department. In 2000, Matt joined the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office as a detective, climbing the ranks to become captain of detectives.
He retired on December 31 2023 after 25 years of service. Matt was known for his dedication, integrity, and great acuity for solving difficult cases. His passion for justice and his service duty were unmatched.

Underneath his blue armor, Matt had a magnetic personality, easily making friends everywhere he went. With his infectious smile and incredible sense of humor, Matt quickly bonded with people. But no bond was stronger than family. He was a dedicated husband and family man, extremely proud of his wife, Jackie, and their five children, and treasured time with them. He especially enjoyed their many travel adventures.

Predeceased by his father, John “Jack” Norton and his father-in-law, Joseph Bendas, he is survived by his loving wife, Jaclyn (Bendas) Norton; his children, Victoria, Tyler, Connor, Hannah, Grace; his mother, Margaret (McCarthy) Norton; his sisters, Elizabeth Orleans (Jeffrey) and Jennifer Marshall (John); his cherished aunts, uncles and cousins; his lifelong best friend, Gary Wasko and family; his dear beloved friends, Michael and Stephanie Hodges and family; his mother-in-law, Jeannine Bendas; his brothers-in-law, Adam Bendas and Daniel Bendas (Christa); his six nieces and four nephews; his Godchildren, Madison Thornton, Emily Magyar, Ethan Magyar and Mason Bolt; his constant companion and loving dog, Bubba; his numerous dear friends that became “framily”; his “extra” children, Nick Long, Sebastiano Caruso, Maddi Myers, and Grace Hay; and his dedicated, brothers and sisters in law enforcement.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 5 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Parish, 216 Nassau Street in Princeton. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Mausoleum in Hamilton. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, August 4 from 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. p.m. and 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Saul Colonial Home, 3795 Nottingham Way, in Hamilton Square.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Matthew’s memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation by visiting T2T.org.