Will Hendel Norton died unexpectedly at home in New Canaan, Conn. on Jan. 14 of respiratory complications caused by Covid. His parents, Katherine (Katy) and Laurence (Larry), were with him. He was 26.

He was born April 27, 1997 in New York City at 23 weeks, weighing 1 pound, 5 ounces. His first three and a half months were spent in the natal intensive care unit of Weill Cornell Hospital. He was predeceased by his stillborn twin sister, Sibley Grace Norton, his grandparents Patricia and Philip Hendel of New York City and Elizabeth and Arthur Norton of Exeter, N.H.

He attended the Episcopal School and St. Hilda’s and St. Hugh’s School, where he made lifelong friends. He played Little League in Yorkville and tennis and soccer at various venues in New York.

When he was 10 his family moved to Wilton, Conn., where he attended Eagle Hill School in Greenwich, and then to New Canaan, which had been his home for the past 15 years.

He continued his education at Winston Preparatory School, followed by the Maplebrook School. At the latter he played soccer and excelled for the tennis team, earning numerous awards.

Will spent summers in Edgartown for 15 years. He was a fixture on the Edgartown Yacht Club tennis courts, participating in inter-club matches, garnering many awards and receiving the Smoyers Bowl, emblematic of ability and sportsmanship.

For the past six years he had participated in the Connecticut Special Olympics Tennis Tournament and won his division for five consecutive years.

He was a fan of all sports, particularly soccer, and supported Arsenal, the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics. As his friends went to college he received school apparel and his closet has sweatshirts, T-shirts and caps representing schools from California to Texas, the South and the North.

He loved to travel and visited England for Wimbledon, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic and Bermuda. He dreamed of attending the French and Australian Opens and the Rafal Nadal tennis Academy in Majorca. His love of church choirs led him to many concerts.

Will volunteered at Waveny Life Care Network and was awarded Volunteer Rookie of the Year by the New Canaan Community Foundation. He held part-time employment with the New Canaan Historical Society, River House in Greenwich, the Porch in Westport and the Ponus School cafeteria in Norwalk. He was happiest while assisting the staff at the New Canaan Racquet Club. At all venues he was surrounded by caring and kind friends.

He frequently strolled around New Canaan and was a fixture at Starbucks, Gofers, Dunkin Donuts, the YMCA and the library, where he could be heard discussing the latest sports news, some politics, music, and the activities and accomplishments of his friends.

Will was very spiritual. For many years he actively participated in the Fellowship of Christians in Universities and Schools (FOCUS) through meetings, outings and the FOCUS camp on Martha’s Vineyard where he was both a camper and volunteer.

He had many challenges in his short life. He met them with unflinching courage, unwavering faith, a sense of humor and overwhelming kindness for all. He was loved and he loved in return.

Will is survived by his parents, Katherine Hendel Norton and A. Laurence Norton Jr. of New Canaan, and his loving sister Alexandra Stoddard Norton and her husband Harrison Moye Callaway of New York City.

In addition, he is survived by his half sisters, Lauren Norton and her husband David Chapin of Annisquam, Meredith Norton of Annisquam, and Erica Lewis and her husband Craig of Hillsborough, N.C.; aunts Susan Fleming and her husband David of Palm Beach, Fla. and Virginia Campbell and her husband Peter of Hobe Sound, Fla.; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Church in New Canaan, Conn. on Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at Morrill Hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Will Norton Foundation, c/o New Canaan Community Foundation, Inc., 111 Cherry Street, New Canaan, CT 06840. For online condolences, visit hoytfuneralhome.com.