Richard A. Thornton

Richard Anson Thornton, 75 years old, Newt to those who loved and knew him best, passed on May 3, 2022.
Beloved husband of Ruth (nee Nash) for 53 years, loving father of Jeffrey and Christine Insana, father-in-law to Dean Insana and adoring Pop to Kaitlyn, Michael and Cassandra Insana. Richard was born July 5, 1946, in St. Marys, PA to the late Annabel (nee Bateman) and late Newton Thornton. He lived in Emporium, PA near family which included his Grandmom Bateman many aunts, uncles and cousins. His family later settled in Gloucester County, for the past 60 years. Survived by his sisters Marjorie Kean -Tripp, Sandy (George) Kolinofsky and late brother Gerald Thornton. He was brother-in-law to Rob (Rosemary) Nash and David (Linda) Nash. Beloved Uncle Dick /Uncle Newt to many family and friends that he made family.
Newt graduated from Glassboro High School in 1964 and went on to serve in the US Navy for 4 years, serving aboard the USS Mountrail (APA-213), cruising the Mediterranean Sea. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1970 and went on to attend Pierce Junior College, earning an Associate of Science in 1972 then went on to Rutgers University, Camden NJ to earn his Bachelor of Science with High Honors in accounting in 1976. He accomplished this while working at Janney Montgomery Scott in Philadelphia, PA and raising his family in Mantua, NJ. He loved to take the family fishing, crabbing, camping, skiing (water and snow). He earned his Securities Industry Certificate from Wharton School of Business in 1999. He worked his way up the corporate ladder for 30 years and retired as CFO of JMS in 2005. During his executive years at JMS, he loved to turn a work trip into a vacation with Ruth. He enjoyed playing tennis and running. He coached Mantua Township youth soccer for many years. He was an active member of Mantua Township Lions for 40 + years. After retiring, he enjoyed his time working outside on anything and everything, becoming a Master Gardner from Rutgers, vacationing in Florida with Ruth, RV'ing/tailgating and attending many NASCAR races, fishing and hanging in the garage with whoever stopped by for a visit. He doted on his three grandchildren whenever he got the chance and most of all loved eating crabs by the pool with them. He was always willing to help family, friends, neighbors and even the occasional stranger. His life may not have always been easy, but it was always full of the love of family and friends.
In lieu of flowers consider donating financially to Angels Community Outreach, to serve local veterans and children, located in Pitman, NJ in his memory. Please also consider donating your used eyeglasses to a local Lions Club, he was passionate about this cause. He always enjoyed lending a hand to those in need.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua, New Jersey 08051 where funeral services will be held at 11:00 am. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery in Monroe Township, NJ 08094.
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com