Patrick Cletus Thornton, 91, passed peacefully from this life on April 24, 2018, in his sleep holding the hand of his sweetheart of more than 70 years, Delores Mary (Zepnick) Thornton. Patrick was born on November 19, 1926, in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Lloyd and Elizabeth (Nooyen) Thornton.
Patrick Thornton was one of the Greatest Generation, a man loved and respected by all who knew him. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in WWII as soon as the opportunity arose, and served in the Naval Construction Battalion (CBs) in the Pacific Theater of war. He married his bride on February 7, 1948.
During their seven-decade marriage, he and wife Delores raised four children – Gail (Simon) Thornton, Patrick M (Star) Thornton, Lynn Soule and Jodi (Brian) Thornton-O’Connell. As a dedicated family man, Patrick is the beloved Grandpa of eight grandchildren – Crystal (Nate) Hawbaker, Trudy (Clayton) Hogin, Jessica Orr, Heather Thornton, Will (Mayra) Baietto, Andrea (Jacob) Toczek, Timothy Soule, and William Patrick Thornton – and “Poppa” to six great-grandchildren – Jack Hawbaker, Elijah Toczek, Claire Hogin, Vivian Dugdale, and Marcella and Miranda Baietto.
He is also survived by his brother Frank (Joanne) Thornton; and was preceded in eternal rest by his parents; two sisters and five brothers – Delia Thornton, Lydia Gegere, George, Roland, James, Clinton and John Thornton – and son-in-law David Orr.
Patrick worked in route sales and insurance sales and, after retirement, with security at the Arizona State Capitol building. He enjoyed gardening, tinkering with electronics, and home improvement projects. He was an active member of his parish, Most Holy Trinity, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Minister of Care.
Join us for services: Viewing at Hansen Mortuary (8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix) on Monday, April 30, 2018, 5 to 7 p.m. Rosary at 7:30. Funeral mass at Most Holy Trinity (8620 N. 7th St., Phoenix) at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Burial service and lunch reception to follow. To send online condolences, please visit: hansenmortuary.com.
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Celine &Terry McLaughlin
We are very sorry for your loss . I remember your dad at MHT. We pray for God’s peace for you and your family.
Randean Thornton Kussow
My family sends condolences to all your family. Gods peace be with you .