Anias D. "Sam" Thornton II, 83, of Champlain, and formerly of DeKalb Junction, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024 at home.

He was born in DeKalb, N.Y., on April 16, 1941, the son of Anias and Margaret (Hutchison) Thornton.

Sam attended DeKalb High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1959 until his honorable discharge in 1964. On July 13, 1963, he was united in marriage to Nomia M. Gonyea at St. Henry's Church in DeKalb Junction. He worked several years in construction, most notably on the construction of the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown and projects at the St. Lawrence Seaway. He was employed by P&C Foods as a maintenance tech for the North Country region for many years before establishing his own business, A.D. Thornton & Son Refrigeration.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Tina Thornton of Altadena, Calif., and Teresa (Jose) Acostamadiedo of Cumberland Head, N.Y.; his son Anias III (Kerry) Thornton of Mooers, N.Y., and son-in-law Louis (Heather) DiTaranto of Temple Terrace, Fla. Grandchildren Christopher and Brandon DiTaranto; Christina Wrasse; Olivia, Joe and Hunter Acostamadiedo; and Alexis and Kaelyn Thornton. He is also survived by his dear sister-in-law Helen Thornton of Edwards, N.Y., and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his 11 siblings, his daughter Mary, and his beloved wife of 59 years, Nomia.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at 2 p.m. at St. Peter's Church, 114 Cornelia St., Plattsburgh, with Rev. Kevin McEwan, parish priest, celebrating.

Donations in memory of Anias D. Thornton II may be made to Champlain Mooers EMS, 1150 State Route 11, Champlain, NY 12919.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 793 Gilbert Road, Mooers, 236-4747. To make a floral purchase, offer an online condolence, share a symbolic gesture, or share a photo in memory of Anias D. Thornton, II please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com