Age 92
9/4/2023
Our loving father, Ed Thornton, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep near his beloved wife, Dorothy, whom he adored. Dorothy is 87. They met in Brooklyn in 1955 at a church dance and were married two years later. They were married for 66 wonderful years. Family meant everything to our parents, and they were blessed to be surrounded by many who loved them dearly.
He is survived by his 8 children: Elaine, James, Jeanne, Mary, Tommy, Claire, Patrick & Matthew, as well as his daughters-in-law Susanna, Chrissy, and Carolyn
He is also survived by:
12 Grandchildren: Krystle, Kathleen, Jean Marie, Nichole, Jamie, Natalie, Richard, Thomas, Shannon, Jasmine, Ava & Matthew
4 Great-Grandchildren: Logan, Clement, Nora & River
2 of his 5 siblings: Patricia & James
And his 12 nieces & nephews
And we can’t forget his faithful furry companions over the years: Sam, Shamrock, Susie, Lily, Lulu, and Luis.
Born in Brooklyn, New York to Richard & Rose Thornton. Ed was the eldest of 6. He was a role model to his siblings Thomas, Donald, Patricia, James, and Eileen.
Ed was employed as a Civil Engineer for the City of New York until he was 66. He then decided to continue working for 8 additional years for a private company, Hazen and Sawyer, until he retired at the young age of 73.
Ed loved music. During our childhood he would delight us with his singing, playing the accordion and the organ. After retirement, he purchased a baby grand piano and took additional lessons until the age of 90. He also lit up the rooms at events and nursing homes singing first for the barbershop quartet and then the Queens Chapter of the AARP singing group. He was also an avid Baseball fan and loved the NY Mets!!
He will be missed by many and touched the lives of everyone he met with his wise words and his kind and gentle heart.
A Visitation for Richard will be held Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 655 Old Country Rd, Plainview, NY 11803. A Visitation will occur Friday, September 8, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 655 Old Country Rd, Plainview, NY 11803. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St Martin of Tours RC Church, Central Ave, Bethpage, New York 11714. An Interment will occur Saturday, September 9, 2023 at St Charles Cemetery, 2015 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, New York 11785.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to Regis High School, the tuition-free and merit-based high school that Richard credited for launching much of his success in all aspects of his life.
Donations may be mailed to Regis High School, Attn: Advancement Office, 55 E. 84th Street, New York, New York 10028. https://www.regis.org/give/donations.cfm?type=af Or The Humane Society
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.VernonCWagnerFuneralHome.com for the Thornton family.
The staff of Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes would like to thank you for the honor and privilege of serving your family and with our most sincere condolences and continued support to you. ~
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes.
Your Feedback is important. Our goal is to provide exceptional and meaningful service to every family we have the honor to serve. We invite you to leave your feedback online to help other families make an informed decision during their time of need.
Find us on Google, Yelp or Facebook to share your experience.
