Obituary of Lawrence R. Thornton

~ Lived passionately, loved fiercely, fought bravely, died courageously ~

Lawrence (Larry) Thornton, beloved husband, father, and brother, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2019, following a courageous battle with cancer. 

Born to Marion and Frank Thornton, Larry was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and graduated from the University of Maryland. After a successful career as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for International Paper, Larry dedicated his time to the students and families of The Matheny Educational and Medical Center (Matheny). In addition to his time as a volunteer at Matheny, he was a dedicated member of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Education. Larry was a member of the St. Brigid Parish in Peapack-Gladstone and Blessed Sacrament Parish in Martinsville, NJ, where he was Past Grand Knight of The Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of the Hills, 5959, as well as a District Deputy.

Larry loved spending time with his family and always enjoyed a round of golf. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Gwen; daughter Chambliss Muffoletto, her husband Christopher and daughter Sofia; his son Kelley Thornton, his wife Paula and children Sean, Grace, and Lily; daughter Shannon Susko, her husband Nicholas and children Liam and Madison; and daughter Brittany, her husband Geoffrey and daughters Emery and Rory. 

Family and friends may call Tuesday, April 16, 2019, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack, NJ 07977. A mass celebrating Larry’s life will be held Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at 10 a.m., at St. Brigid Church, 129 Main Street, Peapack, NJ 07977. Interment will be private.