John J. Thornton

Dollar Bay:  John J. Thornton, 90, of Dollar Bay, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2018 at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility in Hancock.

     He was born at St. Paul, Minnesota on March 4, 1927 to the late Patrick M. and Violet D. (King) Thornton. Following Houghton High School graduation, he entered the United States Navy during World War II. He returned to graduate from Michigan Tech , earning a degree in engineering. He was employed at the family business, Thornton Construction Company in Hancock. In the mid 1950's he moved to Biloxi, Mississippi to work in construction. He retired back to the Copper Country in the mid 1980's, making his home in the Dollar Bay area.

     John was an Altar Server at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Dollar Bay. He enjoyed boating, wood working, and geneology.

     Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, James and Patrick, a niece Christine, and a nephew, Joseph.

     He is survived by a brother, Thomas of Dollar Bay; nieces and nephews: Pat (Diane) of Houghton, Margaret of Chassell, Michael (Joan) of Hancock, Nancy (Walter) Segsworth of Vancouver, Canada, Mary Ann Nimmo of Grand Junction, CO, Daniel (Barb) of Livonia, and Kathy of Surprise, AZ; and by other great nieces and great nephews.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 5, 2018 at the Church of the Resurrection in Hancock with Rev. Fr. Corbin Eddy to officiate. Spring burial will be at the family lot in Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton.

     Friends may call at the church on Monday from 10 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. before the mass. 

     Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, c/o Resurrection Parish, 900 Quincy St., Hancock, MI 49930 in the name of John Thornton.

     The O'Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.

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