Leo Thornton, 74

Leo Thornton, age 74, a well known resident of Tewksbury, died peacefully in his sleep at his home, Friday morning, January 25th. He was the beloved husband of Eleanor A. (Breagy) Thornton, who died in September 2001.

Leo was born in Wilmington, July 10, 1938, one of eight children of the late Joseph J. and Mary Ellen (Lacey) Thornton. He was raised in Wilmington and Somerville, and had resided in Tewksbury since the 40’s. He enlisted into the U.S. Army and served stateside during the Korean War.

He began his working career at Wang, and moved to Tewksbury public school system, where he was a maintenance supervisor. He retired from the Tewksbury Hospital’s Maintenance Department. In his retirement, he worked at A & B Automotive on Main Street. He was a member of the U.S. Bunting Club in So. Lowell.

Leo will be remembered by all who knew him for his friendly manor, warm smile, and his generosity with his friendship.

He is survived by his two sons, Scott L. Thornton and his wife Jennifer (Brown) of Malden, and Chris M. Thornton and his life partner Michelle Capano of Nahant; a grandson, Parker Thornton of Malden; two sisters-in-law, Louise Noftall of Tewksbury, Barbara Thornton of Methuen; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased in death by his siblings, William, Thomas, Joseph, John, James, Theresa, and Mary Ellen Thornton.

Visiting hours Sunday, January 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Tewksbury Funeral Home, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts. (Rte. 38) TEWKSBURY CENTER, phone (800 in MA or 978) 851 2950. His funeral service will be held Monday morning, January 28, at 10:00 a.m. in the Funeral Home, followed by burial with Army Honors at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Tewksbury Redmen Booster’s Club, c/o Treas. Brian Dick, 31 Bopete Ln., Tewksbury, MA 01876, will be appreciated.