Martin T. Thornton

WORCESTER-Martin Thomas Thornton, 75, of Worcester, died Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston after a brief illness.

Martin was born in Cambridge, son of the late Martin E. and Lucy (Basteri) Thornton. He graduated from Boston College High School and earned his Bachelor's degree at Boston College. Martin worked at the NSA for several years after college, and throughout his life as a Systems Analyst for several other corporations, ending with his retirement and subsequent ownership of his own photography business, New England Impressions.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Judith A. (Hathaway) Thornton, two daughters, Kathleen (Galen) Brooks, of Stow, MA; and Mary (Eric) Rastauskas of Haverhill; a son, David (Joanie McCarty) Midgette of Port Monmouth, NJ; and an "adopted" son, Jeffrey (Michelle) Donovan of Colorado. He will be greatly missed by his ten grandchildren: Brenna, Aidan and Colin Duffey (Brooks), Liam, Rowan, Scarlett, Beatrix and Elliott Midgette; and Charles and Daniel Rastauskas. He is survived by all five of his sisters, Katherine Mignault, Diane Cortese, Jean Melanson, Joanie Drushella and Pat Underwood and their respective spouses. He also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Marty was an explorer. He always wanted to seek outside of himself and his own background and did so through his exploration and love of nature, travel, music, reading, research, philosophy and cuisine. He was an intellectual who read and studied voraciously, yet was also a thoughtful and artistic man, who expressed his artistry through photography, music, drawing and painting. Marty loved to debate, and was highly skilled at it, much to the amusement of his relatives during family gatherings. He was a politically savvy armchair philosopher, and a powerful advocate for the underdog. His compassion knew no bounds.

Most importantly, Marty was a Family Man. He met the love of his life 41 years ago, and together, he and Judi blended their family with no distinction of blood ties. They accepted as their own all who were brought to their doorstep and loved them all equally. As true partners, Marty and Judi taught love, respect and acceptance to all of their children, setting examples of parenting that were unequalled. Marty served as an amazing father figure to so many, especially to the oldest of his grandchildren.

Though his impact was quiet and humble, the world lost a great man, and his family and friends will be forever grateful to have been a part of his life.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Martin's name may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and/or the Worcester Food Bank – both organizations close to his heart.