North Haverhill, NH- Dale Lee Thornton, 81, of Tailgate Lane passed away at Cottage Hospital on December 4, 2021, with his family by his side.

Dale was born in Woodsville, NH to Duane and Lucille (Camp) Thornton on July 22, 1940.

He attended Woodsville High School. He worked a few years as an oil delivery driver, then went on to be the water treatment plant operator for Woodsville, Littleton and eventually settling in Bradford where he worked for 28 years.

Over the years Dale coached little league basketball alongside John Bagonzi for several years in the 1970's.

In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, camping, bowling, watching NASCAR and was a big number 3, Dale Earnhardt fan.

He is predeceased by his parents Duane F. Thornton and Lucille (Camp) Thornton; a son, Joshua Thornton, a sister Mary Millette, and his step-father Rupert Millette.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia (Mace) Thornton of North Haverhill, NH; a son Jon Thornton of Woodsville, NH; two daughters, Teri Thornton and husband Sean of Fairlee, VT, Lindsey Rich and husband Adam of Littleton, NH; eight grandchildren, Jonathan McNerney, Tyler Thornton, Lucas Thornton, Amanda Thornton, Nicholas Thornton, Desirae Ricker, Mariah Corliss, and Breanna Corliss; eight great-grandchildren; a brother Rupert Millette and his wife Sharon of Bennington, VT; a sister Toni Pineda and husband Rudy of FL; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

There will be a graveside service for Dale on May 4, 2022 at 1PM, at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Woodsville.

Those who wish may make donations in Dale's memory to the Jimmy Fund www.jimmyfund.org

To share memories and condolences with the family go to www.rickerfh.com .  Ricker Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Woodsville has the privilege of these arrangements.