Bruce E. Thornton
April 16, 1938 ~ December 7, 2009
Greece: December 7, 2009 at age 71. Survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Joan E. (Meinhardt) Thornton; loving children, James (Carol) Thornton, Kimberly (John) Petrucci & Lisa (Mark) Marcello; grandchildren, Matthew & Stephanie Thornton, Vincent & Nicholas Petrucci and John & Elizabeth Marcello; sister, Kay Patterson; sister in law, Lori Byrum; 3 nieces; 1 nephew; several cousins; many faithful friends; special caregivers, Millie Mitchell in Rochester & Rosa Huseman in Naples, Florida. He is predeceased by his parents, Ernest & Helen Thornton and his parents-in-law, Robert & Helen Meinhardt.
Bruce was born and raised in the Philadelphia area and was an avid and proud Phillies, Eagles and 76’ers fan. He worked for 31 years in Industrial Relations for Eastman Kodak Company with particularly memorable years in the Training Department and in the Color Print and Processing Organization. Bruce was a long time member of Messiah Lutheran Church.
His Memorial Service will be held, Saturday December 19th, 11AM at Messiah Lutheran Church, 4301 Mt. Read Blvd. Interment will be held at the convenience of family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the University of Rochester, Gift Office, Neuromuscular Fund, 300 East River Road, Rochester NY 14627
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Bruce was a man of great kindness and integrity. I had the privilege of working with him between 1988 and 1990. It was my first assignment in a manufacturing organization, and I was worried that I was too inexperienced as a training consultant and wouldn’t be accepted. Bruce was always there for me with his good counsel, and it ended up being one of my favorite jobs at Kodak. Bruce had a gift for understanding people and helping people to understand themselves. My assignment ended in early-1990 but when my father died suddenly of an aneurysm in October of that year, I found myself returing to Kodak Park and walking down the long corridor at Building 326, with tears in my eyes, hoping that Bruce was in his office. He was. I am very grateful for the time he spent with me that day and the wisdom he imparted, which did so much to ease my sorrow. He will always have a place in my heart.
Dear Joan and Family
We offer our sympathies in your time of sorrow. May God bless you and your family.
Dear Joan and family, Nelson and I wish to express our deepest sympathy at this time and do want you to know that our prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. We have some wonderful memories of Bruce and you in the old Greece Central times. Sincerely meant, Elaine and Nelson
Dear Joan and Family,
On behalf of all of your friends in Willow Bend, we send sincere condolences. Bruce will always be remembered as a vital, integral part of our community’s success. He won everyone’s respect for the courageous manner in which he faced his challenges. We will miss him.
Dear Joan and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers. We were so glad that we got a chance to see him at Thanksgiving. We will miss talking with him. Take care.
Love,
Camille and Chris
Dear Joan and family: I want to express my deepest sorrow at the passing of Bruce. Even though I am away, my thoughts are with you in your time of need. Bruce will be very much missed in our community and especially by me. I really appreciated his thoughtfulness, his humor and his support. I wish you strength and peace. With sadness in my heart, Irmgard
Dear Joan,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. There are no words that help ease the pain but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Kay Coe
Dear Joan,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know that you had many happy years together and memories to hold onto.
I wanted to come to the service, but I am attending a wedding that day in Buffalo. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy
Dearest Joan and family: My deepest sympathies go to you and your children. Aunt Nina and I will be there for you on the 19th – and you will always be in our prayers for comfort, strength and peace during this time as well as for the healing thereafter! Bruce’s sense of humor and dry wit will live on in our memories forever!
Joan, I was unable to make the service yesterday, but wanted you to know that you and Lori are in my thoughts. I enjoyed our brief conversations when we were both visiting at the Unity rehab center.
Val
Lisa, I wish you and your family comfort in this very difficult time. You are in our thoughts. My best, Deborah
My condolences to the Thornton family. I worked with Bruce at Kodak for many years. Bruce is and was always a gentleman. There is no higher compliment I could pay Mr. Thornton. I respect you Bruce. Rest in peace.
We share in your loss of this fine man and good friend. We will keep you his family in our prayers and Bruce will continue to live in both our memories and our hearts. May God’s blessings remain with you in lifes journey.
Love
Art