Edward L Thornton

Edward L. Thornton, 85 of Little Egg Harbor, NJ passed away on Thursday August 19, 2021.  Born in Providence, RI, he lived in California and then Dunellen, NJ, before moving to Little Egg Harbor 22 years ago.  

Edward was a 20 year career Navy veteran who bravely served his country for three tours in Vietnam in an Air and Sea Helicopter Rescue Squadron.

He was an avid sailor and fisherman and would captain charter tours around Long Beach Island on his private boat.  He enjoyed cooking and entertaining for family and friends and was a woodworking craftsman.   He worked as a youth counselling supervisor for the NJ State Juvenile Corrections Facility and was a founding member of the “MFYC”. 

Edward was predeceased by his parents Allen and Emily Thornton and daughters Cheryl Procini and Susan Thornton. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years Gail Thornton of Little Egg Harbor, loving children, daughter Tracey Bednash and husband Lenny of Towaco, NJ, son Scott Thornton and wife Shannon of Middleburg, FL, brother Steve Thornton and wife Louise of Lincoln, RI, grandchildren Trevor and Olivia Bednash, Michael Epley, Melissa Corrigan, Emily Thornton, Ryan Thornton, Josh Thornton and Amy Mayer, 6 great grandchildren and several loving nieces and nephews.  

Visitation will be held on Monday August 23, 2021 from 4:00pm until his Funeral Service at 6:30pm at Maxwell Funeral Home 160 Mathistown Road Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Edward’s Memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org