Edward J. Thornton – Forward Township

FORWARD TOWNSHIP Edward J. Thornton, 90, of Forward Township, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Jefferson Hospital. An Air Force veteran having served during the Kor ean War, he retired as a chemical catalyst technician at Hercules Chemical Company in West Elizabeth. He was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton, where he was a member of the choir. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved to golf and play euchre. He was an excellent trumpet player and loved listening to music, especially brass band music. Born Oct. 31, 1935, in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late John R. and Ella Mae O’Connor Thornton and husband of the late Carol A. Felicetty Thornton. He is survived by his children, Mark (Suzanne) Thornton of Gloucester, Va., Paul (Val) Thornton of Forward Township, Lynda (Larry) Rhodes of Medina, Ohio, Denise (Jeff) Leach of South Park and Matthew Thornton of Forward Township; 21 grandchildren; 21 greatgrandchildren; sister, Carol Ann Feruck of Alpharetta, Ga.; along with nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Thornton; and brothers, J. Bernard, William and Richard Thornton. Friends will be received at PAUL E. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, 221 North Second Ave., Elizabeth, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 9, 2026, in St. Clare of Assisi Church. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome. com.