Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

John Joseph Thornton

June 13, 1929 - April 20, 2003

                                        

South Bend Tribune 4/23/2003

John Joseph Thornton, 73, of Orlando, Fla., formerly of Fairfax Court, South Bend, Ind., died Easter afternoon, April 20, in Orlando.

John was owner of Spiro's Clothing store, downtown South Bend, for 23 years, closing in 1972. He was also involved in various sales and management companies throughout his business career.

He was born June 13, 1929, in South Bend, to Dr. Maurice and Helen (Rock) Thornton, who preceded him in death.

 

On June 10, 1950, in South Bend, John married Elizabeth "Betty" Thornton, who died Oct. 25, 2002. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Maureen; a son, Sean; and by two sisters, Mary Ann Ward and Susan Grylewicz. He is survived by a son, Brian (Linda) Thornton of Orlando; and by three grandchildren, Kris, Kate and Keith.

 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 25, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, South Bend. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday in the HICKEY Funeral Home, 3516 E. Jefferson Blvd., where a Rosary will be said at 6:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.