Nicholas Thornton

Published in the Home News Tribune from 10/17/2008 - 10/18/2008

NICHOLAS THORNTON
AGE: 86 PARLIN

Deacon Nicholas J. Thornton, 86, of Parlin passed away quietly on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008.

He was born in the Bronx, to Hannah and Patrick Thornton.

Nicholas attended LaSalle Academy and Manhattan College, where he obtained a degree in business. During his college years he excelled in the sports of basketball and baseball.

He played minor league baseball before enlisting in the Army in 1942 rising to the rank of First Lieutenant. He served his country overseas during WWII as a bombardier receiving the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters. Upon discharge from the service he entered New York University where he obtained his MBA.

In 1949, Nicholas married Mary Foran settling in Old Bridge in 1956. He was employed by Wakefern Food Corp. for 25 years as transportation manager until his retirement in 1982.

In 1984, Nicholas J. Thornton was ordained as a Deacon in the Diocese of Metuchen and began serving his beloved ministry at St. Bernadette R.C. Church, Parlin where he remained until his retirement at the age of 80. he was a member of Knights of Columbus at St. Bernadette Council 8478.

Nicholas J. Thornton's beloved wife of 42 years passed away in 1991. His sister, Anna McKee died in 1999.

He is survived by three children, Maureen Thornton-Drost of Sayreville, Patrick J. Thornton and his wife, Loretta of Berkley Heights, and Marian Dalla Valle and her husband, Mario of Virginia. In addition he leaves six grandchildren, Nicole Martin and her husband Kyle, Jeffrey Thornton, Bethaney Houser, Michael, Allison, and Maryanne Dalla Valle, and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 8:45 a.m. Monday, from The Gundrum Service "Home For Funerals" 237 Bordentown Ave., South Amboy, followed by a 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bernadette Church, Parlin. Interment will follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

Nicholas J. Thornton was truly an honorable man who loved God, his country and his family. He will be deeply missed.