Joseph F. Thornton, 80, of Preston Hollow, joined our Heavenly Father on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Joe was born on Friday, January 25, 1946 in Queens, the son of the late Murielle (née Higbie) Kettering. He was married to Janis Thornton for 58 years until she passed away just 4 months ago.

He was one of the 1st EMT’s in NY State. He also was a driver in New York City until he moved to upstate in 1987. Joe and Janis ran the Post Office in Durham NY until it closed. He also delivered mail to the residents of Durham.

He was a member of the Catskill VFW, and the Cairo American Legion. In the past he was a member of the Durham Ambulance and the Oak Hill- Durham fire police.

In addition to his parents and wife, Joe was predeceased by 2 stepfathers Santo Melio and Rudolph Kettering, as well as brothers Daniel and Rudolph Kettering and Santo Melio.

Joe is survived by his daughter Janis Moore (Michael), granddaughter Alysha, 2 great-grandchildren Joseph A. and Josie, brothers Ronald and Michael Melio, and a sister Katherine Melio as well as many nieces and nephews, and cousins.

  Joe was very passionate in Wreaths Across America and in lieu of flowers the family requests you make a donation in his honor to them at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Care has been entrusted to A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home and condolences may be left at www.ajcunninghamfh.com.

Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, Feb 25 from 10:00 to 11:45 AM at A. J. Cunningham Funeral Home 4898 State Route 81, Greenville

Joseph's Military Honors/Burial will take place on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 2:00 PM at Saratoga National Cemetery 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville