Thomas Matthew Thornton

Thomas Matthew Thornton passed away on May 18, 2021, in Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital. Despite a chronic illness for which he battled for many years, he succumbed after a brief battle with cancer. He was 65 years old.

Tom is preceded in death by his mother, Beverly Bresnan Thornton; father, Warren Hardy Thornton (managing editor of The Appeal-Democrat for many years); and sister, Gloria Ann Thornton.

He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth "Libby" Thornton and her spouse, Eileen Grady of Des Moines, IA.

Tom was born in Marysville, California, on November 28, 1955, just before the disastrous Yuba-Sutter flood. He attended Notre Dame Grammar School in Marysville and Marysville High School. Upon graduation he attended San Francisco State University and eventually transferred to California Polytechnic University where he graduated, receiving a degree in Civil Engineering in 1981.

Tom moved to San Francisco and worked for the City and County of SF as a civil engineer for many years before he retired. At one point he was a project manager for the refurbishment and renovation of Market Street. He loved his career and he adored the Bay Area. After retirement, he moved to Guerneville, CA, and purchased a home where he lived until his death.

Tom had many friends in the Bay Area and beyond. He enjoyed gathering with these friends, gardening, and walking his beloved dogs, Ali and Winnie, who were a joy and comfort to him. He traveled extensively and especially appreciated Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. Tom's longtime friend, Fabian Alvarado, was his loyal roommate and confidante and was with him when he passed.

If you wish, please consider a donation to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation or your local animal rescue organization.
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