Obituary of Charles J. Thornton

Charles "Charlie" J. Thornton, age 89 of Wilmington, DE passed away on May 17, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Thomas and Sarah (O'Leary) Thornton in Darby, PA and raised in South Philadelphia and Collingdale, PA. He graduated from Collingdale High School and served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War. Charlie worked in sales for most of his career and later worked for MBNA America Bank/Bank of America before retiring in 2007. He loved to sing and was a member of Our Lady of Charity Choir for 40 years, the St. James Alumni Choir for 8 years, and Holy Child Choir for 15 years, during which he traveled to Rome. In his retirement, Charlie was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels in Aston, PA for 10 years. He was a huge fan of all the Philadelphia sports teams and loved to discuss the players or whatever game he had just watched with family, friends and neighbors.  Mostly, Charlie loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, Charlie is preceded in death by his siblings; Margaret Mealey, Thomas Thornton, Mary Hewes, Rose Leskie, and Joseph Thornton, and his beloved dog, Sadie Marie. Charlie is survived by his wife, Patricia Murphy Thornton of 62 years, his children; Kelly (David) McGrath, and Chuck (Lisa) Thornton, and 5 grandchildren; Katie, Shaun, Meghan, Ben, and Hayden.  A visitation for Charlie will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Church of the Holy Child, Wilmington, DE from 10:00 - 11:00 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Charlie's name to either St Jude Children's Hospital (stjude.org) or Bayada Hospice (bayada.com). Interment will remain private. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com