Gary R. Thornton

Gary was born to James Earl and Elizabeth Rose (Rock) Thornton in his beloved Adirondack mountains in the village of Saranac Lake.

Gary is survived by his wife Katie (Weber), son Todd (Robyn), son Joe (Elizabeth), daughter Kelly Kelting (Tyler), and grandchildren Amelia, Natalie, Lacey, Austin, Anna, Jacob and Theo.

Gary is also survived by his sister Mary Buckley (Michael), sister-in-law Claudia Thornton, Aunt Joyce Wilcox (Rock), many friends especially Jim Parillo, many cousins, nieces and nephews and the brothers of Phi Theta Pi. In addition to his parents James and Elizabeth Thornton, Gary was predeceased by his best friend and brother James “Chip” L. Thornton.

He was a proud graduate of St. Pius X High School, Albany Business College, Husson University and the College of Saint Rose. He had a successful career in banking and then human resources and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern Maine.

Gary grew up in Saranac Lake, where he had many great friends, happy memories and a love for the outdoors and nature. Gary was especially fond of his high school football days at St. Pius X Catholic High School, where he earned the lifelong nickname “Thunder Thornton.” Lovingly referred to by many as “Pa,” he was known to be caring, passionate, humorous, hardworking and a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved his three children and seven grandchildren and will always be remembered for the hours and hours of “surprise snacks,” “queens/kings chairs,” campfires, fishing/camping trips and lifeguard duty at the pool. A lifelong Yankees and Giants fan, he loved watching the Pats try to beat his beloved Giants in the superbowl, and always secretly knew when his kids “borrowed” from the Bud keg. Gary was known by all for the time and pride he invested in his home’s landscaping.

In keeping with Gary’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held in Saranac Lake in the springtime. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in Gary’s name.