Bruce James Thornton

Voorheesville, NY, Bruce James Thornton, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026. He was born on December 3, 1946, in Hempstead, NY.

Bruce graduated from Central Islip High School. Following graduation, he served his country as a Boatswain Mate Third Class in the U.S. Navy. He married his soulmate Jane Thornton October 24, 1964, and celebrated 61 years of marriage this past October.

His professional career after being discharged from the US Navy began with Ryder Transport Company, where he earned the title of Master Diesel Mechanic. After retiring from Ryder, Bruce accepted a position at Capital Region BOCES as a teacher aid in the Diesel Department. Teaching was Bruce’s passion. He loved sharing his knowledge of car mechanics with students and sharing his life lessons.

In his spare time Bruce enjoyed restoring domestic and foreign sports cars. Playing golf with his grand kids and working in the yard.

Bruce is preceded in death by this beloved son, Thomas Donald Thornton, his brother William Thomas Thornton, and his parents James Robert Thornton and Isabella Maragaret (McKane) Thornton.

Bruce is survived by his devoted wife Jane Frances Thornton; his son Harry James Thornton of Voorheesville and his wife Pamela Ambuhl Thornton, along with their children Zachary and Emily Thornton; his son Bruce James Thornton, Jr., of Southington, CT and his wife Nancy Bathrick Thornton, along with their children Erin and Brittany Thornton; Brother, Mark Thornton of Gastonia, NC (wife Sylvia); Brother, James Thornton of Lake Wylie, SC (wife Glenda); Sister, Margaret Ramage of Mount Bethel, PA (the late husband Bud); Sister, Anne Robinson of Naples FL (husband James), and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service of remembrance will be held March 21, 2026, at New Scotland Presbyterian Church; 2010 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands, NY 12159. Calling hours will be held at the church from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with a memorial service immediately following.

Those who wish to remember Bruce in a special way, in lieu of flowers, may send a memorial donation to New Scotland Presbyterian Church (https://www.newscotlandpc.org/) or to Capital Regional BOCES, where Bruce proudly made an impact changing the lives of children working toward bettering their life through education. Postage paid mailing envelopes will be available at the time of the service for BOCES contributions.