Thornton, Peter of Cotuit passed away peacefully with his wife by his side.

He will be sadly missed by his many friends around the world who have now lost a true companion.

He is survived by his wife Janet P. (Roeder) Thornton, his step daughter Suzanne, his children and grandchildren.

The youngest son of Fletcher and Ida Virginia (Starbuck) Thornton. Peter was a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy and M.I.T. He held executive positions with such companies as Johnson & Johnson, Ford and Chrysler. He retired as CEO of Birmingham Small Arms Co. Inc. and its several subsidiaries, whose parent company in England manufactured BSA and Triumph motor cycles. He came out of retirement in 1975 to serve as executive V.P of the Tellite Corporation a manufacturer of military microwave electronic products.

Mr. Thornton served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Petty officer First Class on board the U.S.S. Duffy, a destroyer escort that participated in nine, or more, major naval operations in the Pacific arena.

A private service of Thanksgiving is being held.

Donations in his memory may be made to Cotuit Public Library, 871 Main Street, PO Box 648, Cotuit, MA 02635.