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Gary Thornton Obituary
Gary was born to James Earl and Elizabeth Rose (Rock) Thornton in his beloved Adirondack mountains in the Village of Saranac Lake, NY.
Gary is survived by his wife Katie (Weber), son Todd (Robyn), son Joe (Elizabeth), daughter Kelly Kelting (Tyler), and grandchildren Amelia, Natalie, Lacey, Austin, Anna, Jacob, and Theo.
Gary is also survived by his sister Mary Buckley (Michael), sister in law Claudia Thornton, Aunt Joyce Wilcox (Rock) , many friends especially Jim Parillo, many cousins, nieces and nephews and the brothers of Phi Theta Pi. In addition to his parents James and Elizabeth Thornton, Gary was predeceased by his best friend and brother James "Chip" L Thornton.
He was a proud graduate of St Pius X High School, Albany Business College, Husson University and the College of Saint Rose. He had a successful career in Banking and then Human Resources and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern Maine.
Gary grew up in Saranac Lake, NY where he had many great friends, happy memories, and a love for the outdoors and nature. Gary was especially fond of his high school football days at St. Pius X Catholic High School where he earned the lifelong nickname "Thunder Thornton". Lovingly referred to by many as "Pa '' he was known to be caring, passionate, humorous, hardworking and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved his three children and seven grandchildren and will always be remembered for the hours and hours of "surprise snacks", "queens/kings chairs", campfires, fishing/camping trips, and lifeguard duty at the pool. A lifelong Yankees and Giants fan, he loved watching the Pats try to beat his beloved Giants in the superbowl, and always secretly knew when his kids "borrowed" from the Bud keg. Gary was known by all for the time and pride he invested in his home's landscaping.
In keeping with Gary's wishes, a private graveside service will be held in Saranac Lake, NY in the springtime. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in Gary's name.
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Tom Quinlan
May 3, 2024
Met at Albany Business College
Valerie Vautrin
January 24, 2024
My heartfelt deepest sympathy Katie, Kelly. and Joe. So very sorry to hear of Gary's passing thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family. Valerie Vautrin
Rick and Tammy Poulin
January 21, 2024
Kate, Kelly - our deepest condolences to your family and you. We were saddened to read of Gary's passing. Despite being a Yankees and Giants fan, we enjoyed the professional and personal associations over the years with Gary and you. Rest in Peace, Gary.
Guerette family
January 21, 2024
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Gary was the best kind of neighbor, quiet, always keeping his yard looking spectacular. You could see how much he loved his grandchildren, and how he loved spending time with them. Rest in peace Gary
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Joanne Fischer-Cadalso
January 21, 2024
So sorry for your loss Katie and family! We had a lot of good times at the bank! I’m sure he’ll be greatly missed!
Tom Quinlan
January 20, 2024
Phi Mini Reunion September 2021 at Druthers in Saratoga.
Tom Quinlan
January 20, 2024
Our Phi Reunion.
Tom Quinlan
January 20, 2024
Our Phi Theta Pi mini reunion at Druthers in Saratoga.
Tom Quinlan
January 20, 2024
Gary was my "Little Brother" when he Pledged Phi Theta Pi in College. He went on to serve as President of our Chapter and I served as His Vice President. We shared many a night in Albany at The Embassy Club and The Guardsman. Gary coordinated our Phi Theta Pi mini reunion in the Fall of '22. I will Eternally Miss my Little Brother and President. Rest In Peace my Friend.
David Wood
January 20, 2024
Gary was a great friend of mine during our college years at Albany Business. We were fraternity brothers, him President and me Treasurer and then Vice president of Phi Theta Pi where we had great times making life long memories. I for one will miss him. We had a chance to zoom call each other a few years ago and I'm glad for that. My wife Valerie and I want to send our condolences to his family.
David Wood
Estella Esposito
January 20, 2024
Gary was always a sweet man with a wry sense of humor. I will miss him.
Verreault family
January 20, 2024
We will miss Gary very much. A wonderful kind and gentle man and great neighbor. Another taken too young. Godspeed to you Gary. Heartfelt condolences to you Kate and all of your family.
Heidi Weber
January 19, 2024
Heidi Weber
January 19, 2024
Heidi Weber
January 19, 2024
Heidi Weber
January 19, 2024
Gary was always very welcoming and would cook on the grill when I would travel to Katie and Gary's home in Scarborough to visit and we loved watching the Yankees and having our ruffle chips and dip. He would have his mug of beer and I would have my water and wait for the kids and grandkids to go swimming in the pool. He was always very doting and teaching the kids how to water plants with him with their little watering cans . He was always making me laugh. We shared many memories both in Albany and in Maine in good times as well as hard times. I miss him already. Rest peacefully my friend
As always love, Heidi
Susan Punchur
January 19, 2024
The passing of Gary saddens me. Gary was a mentor to me at LAI International. We shared deep conversations about faith, he called me Sister Susan and I called him Monsignor. Even after he left LAI, he continued to help me in my career. He truly was a kind honest man. I´m sorry to the family for the loss of this special man.
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