Northborough

Edward F. Thornton, Jr., age 88, died surrounded by family at his home in Brunswick, ME, Tuesday, January 12, 2016. He was born October 29, 1927 in Worcester, MA a son of Edward F. and Catherine Rourk Thornton. He served in the US Navy during WWII. He married Rita Gallant on October 2, 1972. His early employment was with American Steel & Wire Company for whom he worked for 14 years. Following his graduation from New England School of Accounting, he ran an accounting business in Westboro, MA, where he was also Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He later served as a Security Enforcement officer while living in Port Orange, FL. However, his life's passion was owning and operating Thornton Nursing Home, Northboro, MA for which he received public recognition for the valuable care the residents received and was a member of the College of Nursing Home Administrators. Locally, he was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church, Brunswick, a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed bowling and was an avid golfer, having been a member of the Brunswick Country Club, and a founding member of the Cypress Head Golf Course, Port Orange, FL. He is predeceased by his first wife, Marion Parker Thornton; a daughter, Lesa J. Thornton Ross. He is survived by his wife Rita Thornton of Brunswick; a son, Stephen J. Thornton of Cambridge, MA; three daughters, Maryellen Wright of Natick, MA, Jean A. Thornton of Daytona, FL, Tara Bowers of Kernersville, NC; two sisters, Kathleen Holbrook, Ft. Myers, FL, Joan McMaster of Auburn, MA; seven grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren. Calling hours will be held Thursday, January 28, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. in Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St. Northborough. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 29, 2016 at 11 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main St. Northborough. Burial will follow in Howard St. Cemetery. Memories and condolences can be expressed at www.haysfuneralhome.com.