Edward J. Thornton

Edward J. Thornton, age 90, of Forward Twp., passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Jefferson Hospital. An Air Force veteran having served during the Korean War, he retired as a chemical catalyst technician at Hercules Chemical Company in West Elizabeth. He was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton, where he was a member of the choir. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved to golf and play Euchre. He was an excellent trumpet player and loved listening to music, especially brass band music. Born October 31, 1935 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late John R. and Ella Mae (O’Connor) Thornton and husband of the late Carol A. (Felicetty) Thornton. He is survived by his children, Mark (Suzanne) Thornton of Gloucester, VA, Paul (Val) Thornton of Forward Twp., Lynda (Larry) Rhodes of Medina, OH, Denise (Jeff) Leach of South Park and Matthew Thornton of Forward Twp.; 21 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Ann Feruck of Alpharetta, GA; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Thornton, and brothers, J. Bernard, William and Richard Thornton. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 4:30 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10 AM in St. Clare of Assisi Church. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp.

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