Thomas Archie Thornton 6-26-24

August 16, 1943 – April 18, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas “Tom” Archie Thornton, who left us peacefully on April 18 following an extended struggle with heart disease. He was 80 years old.
Tom was born in American Falls, ID, on Aug. 16, 1943, the son of Luray and Jessie Thornton, brother to Don, Grant, and Ken, and sister Karen. After graduating from high school (legend has it he read every book in the school library), Tom joined the Army, serving as a Military Policeman (MP) for three years, taking him from Idaho to Massachusetts. After serving in the Army, Tom worked as a glass-milk-bottle delivery driver for Dell Dale Farm in Littleton, MA, then started a career with United Parcel Service (UPS) as a package sorter and later delivering packages. He dedicated 30 years of service to UPS, where he began his career as a cherished delivery driver and later transitioned to a long-haul driver. His work was characterized by his seemingly boundless work ethic, but more importantly, by the lasting relationships he built with those he delivered packages to and his fellow drivers, a group that still meets monthly for breakfast.
Tom was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Gail (Cullinane), for 57 incredible years. He was a loving father to Christine, her husband Brian Bartram, son Michael, his wife Lynn (King), and a doting grandfather to Matthew, Michael, Lindsey, and Malcolm Thornton and, Erin, and Nora Bartram. He is also survived by his youngest brother, Kendall Thornton, and his wife, Joey. Notably, he leaves behind his loving dog, George, who will miss him tremendously. He was affectionately known as “Bupa,” his generational family grandparent name, which he adopted and so revered. He was Bupa to us all.
A self-taught and skilled woodworker and carpenter, Tom also found joy and solace at his camp on Lake Wyman in Westminster, MA, which he lovingly renovated over many years with his family. This special place, secured after trading in his beloved red Triumph TR7 ragtop convertible for a down payment, became a cherished retreat for relaxation and family gatherings. It was here that many fond memories were made, especially during the lively and yearly Fourth of July celebrations.
Tom enjoyed planning events that gathered friends, family, and co-workers. He organized the building of picnic tables, Cub Scout carpentry days, many deep sea ocean fishing trips (including those party boats with his fellow UPS co-workers), the East Street Athletic Running Club with his dear neighbor and close friend Wayne, trips to the Patriots games and casinos with his family and friends, to name a few. Tom also prided himself on telling bad “Dad” jokes. While delivering for UPS, he often told the same joke all day to the multitudes of people he would meet delivering packages. Telling bad jokes became his trademark while he was in the hospital or visiting medical staff.
Tom’s life was marked by continued service to others, including the Downeast Maine Mission trip through the Congregational Church of Harvard, the Ayer, MA park playground community build-out, teaching Scouts carpentry to earn badges, donations of Christmas mangers to be sold at craft fairs, spitting firewood for his children and friends, and so many others. He was an incredibly kind and generous man to so many for so many years.
Tom leaves behind a legacy of love, craftsmanship, and enduring friendships. His life was celebrated on June 21 at 6 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Harvard, Harvard, MA. There was a service followed by food and refreshments honoring Tom. If you would like to honor his legacy, go out and perform a random act of kindness for a stranger and remember Tom while doing so. He would be so honored.
Rest in peace, Bupa. Your spirit and the joy you brought to our lives will forever resonate in our hearts.