Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Joseph T. Thornton M.D.
1933 - 2023
Joseph T. Thornton M.D.
1933 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
Joseph Thornton Obituary
April 29, 2023
Joseph T. Thornton, MD, 89, of Camillus, passed away Saturday at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Syracuse July 4, 1933, to the late Dr. Joseph and Marian Thornton, he was a graduate of Most Holy Rosary School and Niagara University. Joseph continued his education at Georgetown University School of Medicine, followed by specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Joseph practiced medicine for over 30 years at St. Joseph's and Community Hospitals, serving as the department chairman at both. He was a kind and dedicated physician who cared for multiple generations of women throughout the community. A man of great faith, Joseph attended daily mass and was a life-long servant of the church. He enjoyed summers at Otisco Lake, winters in Naples, FL, and porch visits and lunch with neighbors, colleagues, and friends. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren, and attending all of their events.
Joseph was predeceased by his sons, Joseph Jr. and Mark; parents; brothers, James, William, and Robert; and infant sister, Mary Ellen.
Surviving are his loving wife of 66 years, the former Joan McCullough; children, Dr. Joan Thornton of Marietta, Patricia Burnham of Syracuse, Michael of Syracuse, Thomas of Syracuse, and Susan (John) Alberts of Marietta; grandchildren, Steven (Kate), Michael (Jenn), Kevin, Joseph (Lauren), Meghan (Mackenzie), Katherine, James, and Mark; great-grandchildren, Alphia, Odette, Damian, and Julianna; and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends may call Wednesday, May 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. A funeral Mass will immediately follow in the church.
Joseph will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208, or to Holy Family Food Pantry, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse, NY 13219.
"May you rest in perfect peace, knowing the depth of our love for you and the gratitude we all have for the extraordinary role you played in each of our lives."
Share condolences at
www.BuranichFH.com
Mary Ellen Geglia RN
September 27, 2023
Dr Joan and family, I am so sorry to hear of of the passing of your Dad, husband, Grandpa, uncle. He was a wonderful man! I had the honor of being part of his care in the recovery room years ago. Even in his suffering, he was such a cheerful, faith-filled man. He was never lacking in something good to say about others... a very loving man! He will be missed by so many, but as I remind myself after the loss of one of my sons, you will be together again someday in God´s Kingdom. Mary Ellen Geglia RN
Deborah Garvey
May 15, 2023
Sorry to hear of Dr. Thornton's passing. I was a patient of his many years ago, along with 2 of my sisters. He was always so kind and could joke with you too. My condolences to the family. He had a wonderful career!
Sue Riccardi Bova
May 9, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Joe was a great Dr. and a loyal friend to so many. He will be missed.
Nancy Guliani
May 9, 2023
Jet, Joan & Family,
Truly a great loss for everyone. Joe is such a great guy with an awesome sense of humor and many wonderful stories. We will miss him!! Sincere sympathies to the entire family.
Mike & Nanci Guliani
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Anita Cimino
May 7, 2023
To the family of Dr. Joseph Thornton..
I am sorry for your loss. He was my first Obgyn doctor and cared for me through my four pregnancies. He was always so supportive and caring. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Denise Johnson
May 5, 2023
Joan and family,
I have so many fond memories of your dad ! He was truly one of a kind and I loved working with him! He always treated me with respect and was appreciative of all I did ! I´m sure there will be many moments that his presence will be missed especially his wonderful sense of humor! God bless you all in the days ahead! Dr. Thornton is for sure flying with the angels above!! I am unable to attend service due to medical condition but send my love !
Karen Scanlon
May 4, 2023
We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Thornton. Such a nice man and dedicated Dr. Our deepest condolences.
Tim and Karen (Kenific) Scanlon
Jack Shea
May 3, 2023
To you Joan and the family. What a loss to all of us. He was a special person. Wish that I could be with you today but I can´t be. Know that my prayers and special thoughts are with you all.
Peggy Garvey-Miner
May 2, 2023
What an incredible human being. Dr. T delivered my first born. He weighed 9 lbs. Dr. said you best saddle him up to go home. He´s a big guy. Dr.T & his nurse Bobbie Draper were quite a team in his office. Sorry to hear if his passing. I know he suffered quite a while. Rest in peace. A job well done.
John A. D´ADDARIO MD
May 2, 2023
I Must agree with "DR. JOE´S" `Great Sense of Humor" as noted previously. I received a full portion as the attending Anesthesiologist at "old St. JOE´S HOSPITAL" one night on a usually very busy night in the OR, I laid down in the call room, removed my scrubs when Joe called and said "I have a woman with a gun shot wound with twins in the delivery room!" Quickly attempting to get my scrub pants back on as I ran up the stairs to OB, tripping myself, I arrived fully clothed- no gun shot wound but a masterful forceps delivery for the second neonoate after a spinal anesthetic performed by the master. Lost art, just like the loss of a great family man and physician who delivered my oldest son Aaron. Rest in peace, I will never forget you
Barb Schoeneck Riggall
May 2, 2023
To the Thornton Family,
Hugs to you all. You are in my prayers. The Schoeneck family have many memories with your dad through the years.
Barb Schoeneck Riggall
Noreen McKenna Salo Dygert
May 2, 2023
I will always remember Doctor Joseph Thornton as my FAVORITE Obstetrician (who cared for me during my pregnancies and delivered my three children), a colleague who I worked beside in Labor & Delivery at Saint Joe's for 20+ years, but most of all my FRIEND!! Rest in peace, Joe!! My prayers will continue for Joan and your entire family. You will be missed!
Regina
May 2, 2023
I would like to say Thank to this great man and his family. We will pray for all of you. Especially for the Repose of the soul of Dr. Joseph Thornton. Family friend and Outstanding Obgyn and Good Faithful Catholic Man. Peace be with you Dr. Joseph Thornton. Love Regina (Longo)
Wendy (White) Gellert
May 2, 2023
So sorry to hear about Dr. Thornton, he was the nicest man and had the best sense of humor. I loved working with him at Community Hospital. Condolences to Pat and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Mary Coogan Stevenson Stimson
May 2, 2023
He delivered both my babies and I got a picture of him with both. He was a kind, dedicated doctor who I was fortunate to have as my obstetrician. My condolences to his family.
Sheila Austin
May 2, 2023
Joan, Jet, and family,
I am sorry to hear of Joe´s passing. He was loved by so many colleagues and dedicated to his care of women and children. Know that you are in my prayers.
Eric and Darra
May 1, 2023
Mrs Thornton, Jet, Patty, Mike, Tom, Sue, and the entire Thornton and Alberts family,
We are so sorry to hear the news of the passing of the Doctor. All through the many summers at the lake, Doctor Thornton always had such a positive outlook and quick wit during the conversations on the deck or down by the water. We will miss his cheerful commentary on life, his wisdom he extended to us, and his friendship with our family through the past fifty summers. These moments will be sorely missed. Camp life will not be the same.
We are so sorry for your loss and will miss the Doctor. Eric and Darra
Karen and Mitch Summit
May 1, 2023
Joan, Jet & family,
So sorry for your loss. We will miss Doc and all his jokes and stories by the pool at MBC. He will be greatly missed by all.
Karen and Mitch Summit
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Thornton's name
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Thornton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
