Norton Paley

December 26, 1931 - April 2, 2021

Norton Paley of Falls Church, Virginia passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Annette Paley, his beloved daughters, Julia Paley and Susan Paley (Dean Pinkert), and cherished grandchildren, Zeke Farkas, Natalia Paley Whitman, Isaiah Paley Whitman, and Rose Pinkert. Norton was born on December 26, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York to Elias and Bessie Paley. He attended the New York University School of Commerce and was drafted into the United States Army where he served from 1952 to 1954. After his term in the military, Norton worked in publishing in New York City at McGraw Hill and John Wiley & Sons, before starting his own business. Later, he served as a consultant and lecturer in business planning for global companies. He authored 19 business books. He was writing his 20th book when he passed. Norton loved big band music, especially Harry James, and he himself played the trumpet. A history buff, he had a passion for the link between leadership in war and leadership in business. He was a loving and caring father and grandfather who had enormous pride in both his daughters and his grandchildren. He reveled in annual family reunions, loved spending summers listening to the symphony from his lawn chair at Tanglewood, and treasured his enduring, love-filled marriage to his best friend, Annette. Norton touched countless lives with his signature kindness, easy laugh, sincere interest in others, and modeling of hard work. He is already missed by all who knew him. A graveside service will be held at King David Memorial Gardens (7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA, 22042) on Monday April 5, 2021. The family will host an evening virtual Shiva via Zoom on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 for family, and on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 for friends. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to make donations to choose a cause that's important to them and to make a contribution in Norton's memory.