William John “Bill” Thornton passed unexpectedly on Sunday, May 12th, 2019 at his home in Provincetown, Massachusetts. He was 72.
Bill was born on March 12th, 1947 in Somerset, Massachusetts to Elsie Thornton (née Rapoza) and Walter Thornton, both deceased.
Bill graduated from Somerset high school in 1965 and went on to attend and graduate from the National School of Meatcutting in Toledo, Ohio, where he learned what would become his vocation for most of his life. Bill worked as an expert butcher for Stop & Shop, A&P and Grand Union, in addition to owning his own store for a time.
In high school, Bill was a standout athlete, playing varsity football each of his 4 years, proudly wearing the number 44 and playing the positions of running back and defensive back.
Following his graduation from meatcutting school, Bill moved to Brewster, where he resided until moving to Provincetown in 1994.
He is survived by his partner of 25 years, Beverly Thomas, of Provincetown.
In addition, Bill is survived by daughter Kristen Thornton Navas, her husband Joseph Navas and grandson Corbin Thornton, all of Eastham. Additionally, he is survived by son Craig Thornton, his wife Justyne Walorz and granddaughter Jamie Thornton of Brewster and step-grandchildren Ashley Bengston and Zachary Bengston.
Bill is also survived by his former spouse, Rita Pelletier Thornton of Florida, his brother, Walter Thornton, of Somerset, Massachusetts and his many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Known for his infectious charisma, cheerful demeanor, generosity and love of people and the natural world, Bill could frequently be found exploring the dunes and trails of Provincetown, exchanging stories with friends in town and generally making himself an integral part of the community that became his home. Bill’s group of friends was as large and diverse as one could ever hope to have, and any mention of his name would invariably draw a smile and story from whomever heard it.
Bill loved the sea, was an avid fisherman and beachcomber and worked for a time for the Dolphin whale watching fleet.
A proud and active patriot, Bill loved his country deeply and spent a large portion of his time being a companion to his younger brother, John Robert “Jack” Thornton, a US Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, since deceased.
As many have said, Bill's life was lived as if racing towards a better way to give to others, an acceleration of celebrating the best qualities of the people he'd known his whole life and those he'd met the day before. He lived for the heartfelt stories of his heroes, a group that evolved and multiplied with inconceivable frequency and sincerity.
The heart that resides in his children and his grandchildren is only there because it was simply too big for him to keep to himself.
Thank you, Bill. We are all forever in your debt and better for your gifts.
Memorial services will be held on May 29th from 4-7 p.m. at Gately Funeral Home on 94 Harry Kemp Way in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
Donations may be made in Bill’s name to the Provincetown Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 109, Provincetown MA,02657.