Rolland Anthony Thornton

Rolland Anthony Thornton, 67, of Celina, Texas, passed away on January 20, 2025, with his sister Bernadette by his side. Born on August 15, 1957, at Balboa Hospital in San Diego, CA, Rolland lived in many places during his lifetime. He even lived briefly in Keflavik, Iceland with his family while his dad was stationed there in the Navy. A graduate of Sunset High School Class of 1975, Rolland lived most of his life in Hayward, CA, before moving to Texas in 2021. Although he never married or had any children of his own, he was the proud Godfather to Sara Bungarz and Serena Stout.
Rolland was an avid sports fan, whether he was watching or playing. His love of baseball–his favorite sport–started in childhood and lasted his entire life. Growing up, he was known as the only kid in the neighborhood who knew how to throw a nasty knuckleball. He played baseball for many years, and would watch MLB games whenever he got the chance. He was also on a bowling league and played in a pool league. He even played on his High School football team as a punter/kicker, but that career ended after only one game due to suffering a broken leg. He had a passion for golf and played for fun as well as participating in many tournaments. Rolland was an endless source of sports facts and knowledge that he was eager to share with anyone and everyone.
Growing up in the 60s and 70s, that era of music shaped Rolland's childhood. You could always find him listening to one of his Beatles CDs or showcasing his music trivia expertise.
Rolland worked all his life doing a variety of jobs. Before he retired, he worked tirelessly in parts delivery for Ford Dealerships such as Shamrock Ford in Dublin, CA and Livermore Ford in Livermore, CA.
Rolland is survived by his sister Bernadette Stout and her husband Brian Stout; his nephews Maurice Brown and Damian Stout; and his nieces Amber Brown and Serena Stout. He is also survived by numerous aunts and uncles as well as many cousins and lifelong friends. He will be missed by all.
Rolland is preceded in death by his mother, Christine Thornton; his father, Howard J. Thornton; and his sister, Adrian Brown.
Visitation will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery & Funeral Center (1051 Harder Road, Hayward, CA) on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 4pm - 8pm. Vigil will be at 6pm, with plenty of time for those who would like to share stories and memories of Rolland.
Mass will be held at St. Joachim's Catholic Church (21250 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward, CA) on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 10:30am. Family and Friends are welcome to meet at the mortuary prior to 9:30am if they would like to say a final goodbye before proceeding to the church. Funeral will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, either graveside (weather permitting) or in the mausoleum.