Claude Thornton

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Celebration of Life: Claude Thornton

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22

Claude Thornton, aged 85, on May 21st, 2024, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Claude Thornton was born to Cap and Cellia Thornton on August 8th, 1938, in Sumrall, Mississippi. He grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and graduated from Rowan High School. Met and married the mother of his five daughters on May 15th, 1960. They later relocated to Peekskill, NY, where he worked for the VA hospital in Montrose, NY. He started as a housekeeper and worked his way up to becoming a recreation therapist, retiring after 37 years of service.

Claude Thornton had a life full of love, adventure, and joy. He was famous for his early morning talks on "what you're going to do with your life" and "you've got to get your education." Claude was all about working hard, making money, and always encouraging his kids and others in the community to have a plan for success. He pushed his five daughters to go into healthcare, and now all five of them are nurses, with his grandkids also pursuing health science. Claude loved reading the newspaper and drinking his morning coffee. He made a significant impact by stressing the importance of education and planning for success.

Survived by his children, Rachael (Scott) Fulton, Claudine Thornton, Corrinn (Bill) Koktowski, Kim Thornton, and Noel Thornton (Eugene), nephew Ronald (Nicole), McClendon grandchildren, Ashanya Thornton, Sierra Koktowski, Brianna Koktowski, Mariah Pompey, Bailey Koktowski, Adam Fulton, Jayden Koktowski, Teagan Pompey, Genelle Downs, Eugene' Downs, and Ge'nevah Downs, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews will forever cherish the memories they shared. Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Cap and Celia Thornton; his wife, Bernice Thornton; his brother, Roy Parker; his sister, Rosalie McClendon; and his grandchild, A'Bella Rayford.

Throughout his life, Claude was passionate about his work. He also enjoyed leisure activities such as fishing, watching basketball/baseball games, Jai Alai games in Connecticut, playing cards with friends, and watching horse racing.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on May 29th, 2024, between 4 pm and 7 pm at New Comer Funeral Home, Watervliet, NY. We invite all who knew Claude to join us in remembering the joy and love he brought into our lives. The family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association, a cause close to his daughter's heart. Alzheimer's Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease

To share a memory of Claude or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below. We will always hold Claude's memory in our hearts.