Obituaries

William (Bill) Thornton, III, age 74, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, passed away Wednesday morning at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, after a brief illness.
Born on December 21, 1942, son of the late William, Jr., and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Thornton, William was a graduate of Old Forge High School, Class of 1960. A master welder, he worked for Main Tool and Machine Company before retiring from Main Engine Services, as an engine builder.
A well-known and respected local racer in the local stock car and dirt track circuit, he was a a drag racer in his youth, competing at the Pocono Drag Lodge. He was also his son’s racing crew chief and both a highly-regarded and extraordinary engine builder. His abilities as a fabricator were remarkable. The trickier the task, the better, he felt.
Above racing, he adored his family. He was a loving Dad, “Pop”, great grandpa and brother who will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his four adoring children, William Thornton, IV, and wife Chrissy, Kelly Thornton and Tracy Alexander and husband Mark, all of Old Forge, and Jody Verdetto and husband David of Starrucca; his sister, Karen Mazaleski and husband William of Old Forge; seven grandchildren, Chelsea and Mark Alexander, Olivia and Natalie Kimble, Patrick Verdetto, and Emily and Aubrey Thornton; a great granddaughter, Tessa Kurpiewski; a longtime loving companion, Christina Walukas of Duryea; and a niece and great nieces.
His family would like to especially acknowledge and thank Dr. Armando Sallavanti whose care and compassion throughout William’s illness was simply amazing.
A funeral service to be conducted by Rev. Doug Hoeffner, relative, is scheduled for Saturday at 9:00AM at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge. Interment will follow at Marcy Cemetery, Duryea. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave an online condolence.