Neil J. Thornton, Rehoboth sailor

Neil J. Thornton, 96, of Rehoboth Beach, went to be with the Lord Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014. He was born Feb. 2, 1918, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Neil and Margaret (McGee) Thornton.

For many years he lived in the Mt. Cuba/Yorklyn area, and since the late 1960s has been a resident of Rehoboth Beach. Neil was a fantastic boat builder, and one of his favorite pastimes was sailing on Rehoboth Bay.

He was a wonderful man and loved by all who knew him. His memory will be cherished by those who had the good fortune of being acquainted with him.

In addition to his parents, Neil was preceded in death by his wife, Rosena Ford Thornton. He is survived by a dear friend, Jeanette Byers and her two daughters, Linda Coxton and her husband James, and June Kiely; his niece Joan Ford Hughes and her children, John and his wife Pam of Maine, Elizabeth Hughes Bruccoleri and her husband Dominick of New York, Keith E. Hughes of New York and James F. Hughes of Pennsylvania; and Joan’s five grandchildren.

A viewing was held Nov. 4, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 5, at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Interment will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Ashland.

Please visit Mr. Thornton's Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.