William E. Thornton Jr.

William E. Thornton Jr was born July 9, 1955, and passed away on July 31, 2025.  Bill was the son of the late Mildred (McHenry) Thornton and the late William Ellis Thornton, Sr.  Bill grew up in Philadelphia, was a life-long Phillies fan, and a graduate of Bartram High School.  Bill loved baseball and was a great player.  Bill was also a golfer and loved to watch professional golf.

Bill is survived by his beloved sisters: Karen and her husband Tony Darpino, their children David Darpino and his wife Erinn, and Jennifer Tichy; Christine and her husband Lou Eichner, their children Fred Maul and Colleen Guber-Decker, and many great nieces and nephews.  Bill was preceded in death by his adored wife Cecilia Wyatt who was the love of his life.  Bill is survived by his beloved step son, James M. Wyatt, III with whom he lived.  Bill also leaves behind his extended family by marriage.     

Karen and Chris were everything to Bill.  He loved to take road trips up the turnpike to visit his sisters and extended family.  When he could not visit, Bill enjoyed connecting with them often and looked forward to getting their cards and calls.

Bill was a gentle soul.  He recently retired from a career as a security guard.  He absolutely loved interacting with people on their way into work and throughout the day.  He met his true love Cecilia, and won her over with flowers, teddy bears and lunches together.  They were married on November 13, 1999, and Bill became part of a large extended family who loved him deeply.  Cecilia said Bill was her soulmate and often commented he was like a big teddy bear.    

Bill and Ce created a lifetime of memories in their time together, including yearly vacations in Rehoboth.  They both loved family “get together” celebrations for holidays and birthdays. When Ce and Bill were first married, many of Ce’s family (she was one of twelve) had young children.  Bill dressed up as Santa Claus for the yearly holiday parties, and he convinced the kids he was the real Santa – and in many way he was, as he portrayed the spirit of Christmas with his laughter, love, and kindness.  

Bill was a minimalist and preferred family gatherings instead of material things.  The greatest gift we have is the love we share with family and friends.  He recently celebrated his 70th birthday and his retirement with a large party and barbeque in his honor.  He kept the sign and decorations to put in his room as it made him happy to have family gather just for him.  He delighted in the cake, ice cream, freshly grilled burgers and sides.  Bill will be watching over his loved ones from heaven.  All the lives he touched were blessed by knowing him.  Bill will be dearly missed.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808, on Saturday August 9, 2025, with visitation beginning at10:30AM and remembrance service at 11:00AM.  Bill previously expressed that he wanted simple service where loved ones are invited to share memories.  Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill can be made to your favorite charity.  

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