After Young Livingston And West Caldwell Native Dies, GoFundMe Started For Scholarship

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — After a young baseball player from West Caldwell died last week, his family has started fundraising to establish a scholarship in his name at Caldwell University.

Bryan J. Norton, 24, who was born in Livingston and raised in West Caldwell, passed away Monday, July 11. He graduated from James Caldwell High school in 2016 and from Caldwell University in 2020.

Norton earned his degree in sports management. A few years after graduation, he landed his "dream job" as a partnership activation coordinator for Major League Baseball, his obituary said. Before that, he had worked for the New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils.

"Bryan was a wonderful young man and his positive impact is lasting," wrote Virginia Rich, who donated to his fundraiser.

"An athlete, he played varsity baseball and football and was an avid fan of the Yankees, Giants, Nets and Devils," his obituary read. "Bryan enjoyed golfing and weekends down the Jersey Shore with family and friends. Bryan will be remembered for his kind nature, infectious smile and his loyalty to his family and friends and will be missed immensely by all who loved him."

His obituary said:

"Beloved son of David and Sheri Ann (DePiro) Norton. Loving and devoted brother of David R. and Megan R. Norton. Dear grandson of Ronald and Jerri Ann DePiro Cherished boyfriend of Lauren Conahan. Adored nephew of Ronald DePiro, Jr., and wife Melissa and Gina Condorelli and husbandAnthony. Caring cousin of Alaina, Olivia, and Camella. He is also survived by many loving extended family members and friends."

A funeral mass was held Monday. As of Tuesday, the fundraiser had raised more than $52,000. It can be found here.

The obituary is here.