Submitted by: Dan Rich
June 13, 1929 - April 20, 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.