Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. Freddie Burton Thornton Sr. was no exception. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Freddie will be remembered as a very exceptional person. Freddie’s life journey began on March 24, 1937. He first greeted the world in Santa Ana, Manila, Philippines. His parents' names were Alfredo Suerte Thornton (Father) and Maria Ballesteros Burton Thornton (Mother). He was raised with one brother, Ernest Burton Thornton. Freddie was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his family sharing many life experiences over the years. Freddie was a typical teenager who had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from High school in Laguna Philippines and continued his education by attending Claremont Collegiate School and La Verne. Freddie would in time attend and earn degrees at Philippine Merchant Marines, Southwestern College with an Associate in Science degree in Social Services with Honors (8/13/1976); San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice Administration (5/30/79), a Master of Science for Rehabilitation Counseling (5/27/83) and Education Doctorate Program (1980-1985). Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. Freddie experienced that with Roberta de Guzman Malpaya. The loving couple exchanged wedding vows on October 24, 1959. The wedding took place in the Wedding Chapel in Reno, Nevada. Empathic and loyal, Freddie was committed to making his new family happy. While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. Freddie was blessed with four children, Margaret R. Malpaya Thornton, Freddie Burton Thornton Jr., Laarni Lei Thornton and Donna Marie Malpaya Thornton. Overall, Freddie worked hard to be a good father to his children and He did his best to fulfill their needs, raising his children in a positive and nurturing environment. Later on, Freddie was blessed with the gift of four grandchildren, Leilani Antoinette Faiai, Brianna Janice Thornton, Brennan Charles Thornton and Andres S. Thornton Ayuyao. Freddie was a Unites States Navy Veteran. He served proudly for 20 years and through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer, MSC United States Navy. He received several awards recognizing him for his service, including a Multiple Good Conduct Awards- Department of the Navy, Division Career Counseling Training Course- Commander Naval Air Force United States Pacific Fleet, Navy Training Course Certificate- Department of the Navy, Good Conduct Award and Medal. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home. How a person performs in the workplace can be a reflection on how they live their life. Showing a strong work ethic, Freddie worked diligently and did his best to succeed in each of his occupations. Freddie worked at the U.S Postal service for one year, Balboa Navel Hospital for five years and San Diego County Probation for 10 years. Freddie enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were Karate, traveling and movie watching. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Freddie Burton Thornton Sr. left us on September 12, 2011. He passed away at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California. He was 74 years old. The cause of death was due to multiple cardiac arrests including respiratory failure. He is survived by Roberta de Guzman Malpaya Thornton (wife), Margaret Rose Malpaya Thornton (daughter), Freddie Burton Thornton Jr. (son), Laarni Lei Ann Thornton (daughter), Donna Marie Malpaya Thornton (daughter), Katrina Spirz Thornton (daughter in law- married to Freddie Burton Thornton Jr.), Leilani Antoinette Faiai (Granddaughter), Brianna Janice Thornton (Granddaughter), Brennan Charles Thornton (Grandson), Andres Sinaya Thornton Ayuyao (grandson), Ernest Burton Thornton (brother) and Kobe (canine companion). Services were handled by Glen Abbey Mortuary. A funeral mass was held at St. Charles Catholic Church in San Diego, California on Saturday, September 24th, 2011. Freddie was laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California. So this is Freddie’s life, the sum of the man that he became. Simply stated, Freddie was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Freddie leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life Freddie touched will always remember him with a smile.
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