Ralph H. Thornton

Ralph H. Thornton of Canton, CT passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the age of 96. Friend, loving husband of A. Eleanor (van Laer) Thornton for 72 years, and beloved father, Ralph was at the center of every family gathering. He had stories to tell, sage advice to dispense, and endless love and laughter to share.

Ralph was born on January 28, 1930, in Ellenville, NY to William Thornton and Bessie (Tice) Thornton. His education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Spring Glen, NY, continued at Ellenville HS, and led on to MIT in Cambridge, MA, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering, graduating in 1952. He would later earn a second master's degree in management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

During his college years, Ralph met the love of his life, A. Eleanor ("Ellie") van Laer, of High Falls, NY, through a blind date set up by his best friend, who also happened to be Ellie's cousin. After graduating from MIT, Ralph accepted a job with Hamilton Standard, a division of United Technologies Corporation, in Windsor Locks, CT. In 1953, Ralph and Ellie married, settled in Windsor Locks and later moved to nearby Windsor, where they raised their family.

Ralph and Ellie became members of First Church in Windsor, CT in 1960. They held many positions on the church's committees and developed lifelong friendships. Ralph was a member of the John Warham Society, for those attaining 40 years of church membership.

Ralph's career with UTC spanned 42 years, marked by opportunities that took the family to Tucson, AZ, Bedford, NH, and Monroe, CT. His work at UTC's Hamilton Standard and Norden Systems involved overseeing the manufacture of highly specialized components, parts and equipment, primarily for the aerospace industry.

Throughout the years, Ralph and Ellie made family a centerpiece of their lives, hosting countless holiday gatherings at their home as well as summer vacations at Keuka Lake in Penn Yan, NY. Ralph never wanted to miss out on the family fun. He would join boisterous card games lasting long into the night and yet be up at the crack of dawn ready for a round of golf.

Ralph and Ellie moved to Canton, CT for their retirement years, reveling in newfound freedom for travel, hiking, family activities, and watching UConn women's basketball. He took every opportunity to enjoy his favorite sports, including snow skiing, waterskiing, tennis, golf, and bowling. A proud member of the age 80+ skiing demographic, Ralph's 96th birthday fell on a day he would have loved on the slopes: blue skies, crisp air, and fresh fallen snow.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife Ellie (van Laer) Thornton; five children, Susan Dalton (spouse Randy) of Simsbury, CT; Wendy Curtin (Tim) of Bethesda, MD; Dana Thornton (Judy) of Califon, NJ; Colleen MacKinnon (Will) of Hinesburg, VT; and Jeannette Kelly (Greg) of Marlborough, CT; eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Charles "Chick" van Laer; and many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was predeceased by his infant son, Brian Thornton (1956); his brother and sister-in-law, Earl and Peggy Thornton; and his in-laws, Arnold and Mary van Laer, Natalie and Bob Woodard, and Marilyn van Laer.

The family will hold a private service to memorialize and celebrate Ralph's life.

Memorial donations may be made in Ralph's name to Connecticut Foodshare, 2 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492.