David Wayne Thornburg

David was born on March 19, 1960 in Chicago, IL to Gerald Wayne Thornburg and Constance Pauline Thornburg (nee Rizzoni). His family moved eight times around rural Indiana before settling back in Chicago in 1970 following the divorce of his parents. David and his younger brother, Brian Thornburg, were raised by their mother and grandmother, Evelyn Rizzoni, in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood.

David attended Roald Amundsen High School in Chicago where he was active in the concert band, playing the bass clarinet.

Upon his high school graduation, David enlisted in the Air National Guard. After serving his two-year enlistment, David joined the Air Guard as a civilian employee, stationed at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. He began a long career in the base’s stock facility and served as the computing and networking technician.

During his time in Chicago, David enjoyed playing softball with his base colleagues. He also became a semi-professional bowler, participating in tournaments and leagues around Chicagoland. He also served for a short time as the custodian of Luther Memorial Church, Chicago, where he was an active member from boyhood.

He relocated to Lindenhurst, IL after a work reassignment to Mitchell Airport Air Guard station in Milwaukee, WI, in 1997. David retired early from the Air Guard in 2008.

David began a second career at the Home Depot in Gurnee IL in 2015, becoming a respected fixture in the tool rental department.

When she suffered severe health challenges, David became the sole caregiver of his mother until her death in January 2019

David moved to Wake Forest, NC in March 2021 where he continued his career with Home Depot until he experienced debilitating strokes in October of 2021. He resided at the Rocky Mount (NC) Rehabilitation Center until his recent passing.

David is survived by his brother Brian Thornburg, nephews Adrian Thornburg and Benjamin Thornburg (Alex), cousin Rick Ludwig and aunt Jane Ludwig, cousin Darla Rizzoni Reid, cousin David Streeter, and aunt Kathy Fermo.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Thornburg family.