Frank Thornton

Francis Thornton, Jr., a.k.a. Frankie Thornton, a.k.a. “Mister Fun” (75) Retired CPD with 31 years of service to the city he loved and protected. Twinkling-in-his-blue-eyes-loving husband of Rita nee Kernaghan, who first met each other when they were five and kept each other’s eyes twinkling for the rest of their lives. Eternally encouraging father to his only son Michael and Michael’s wife Lindsey, Frank’s “special girl,” who conspired with Frankie on various escapades, most notably breaking him out of a nursing home in his wheelchair and pushing him fast in the rain. Little brother to Jeremiah and eldest James, both recently deceased, all brothers finally reunited, heaven very rowdy. Brother-in-law of Kathy Xaverius and her husband Terry—Frank’s partner on the job for so many years but far more than that—a trusted constant friend; a sentinel. Brother-in-law of Eileen (Pat) Mullane, brother-in-law of Julie (the late Joe) White, son of Francis J and Margaret nee O'Connor, son-in-law of Patrick and Mae nee McGuinness Kernaghan, eternal king of the Schorsch Village Men’s Club, steadfast jovial friend to an uncountable number of human beings, some who had nowhere to go on Christmas Eve until Frank, cousin to an array of delightful Irish rascals here and across the sea, Adoptive dad/uncle/friend-figure to the ragtag characters of the Chicago theatre community for whom Frank joined their sports league and effortlessly launched softballs into the stratosphere, and devoted and protective uncle to many, perhaps most resoundingly to his southside nieces Mary and Joanie whom he regarded as daughters, and last but never least his beloved niece Karen, in a category all to herself; Karen and Frank taught each other how to Believe to such an extent, Frank tattooed the very word across his arm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Gift Theatre 4041 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60641 https://tinyurl.com/misterfunthegift
Visitation Friday, January 24th 10AM followed by 11AM Funeral Mass at St. Robert Bellarmine 4646 N. Austin, Chicago IL 60630 (Corner of Austin & Eastwood) Graveside Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside IL 60162 (No pressure to attend—it's a bit of a ride). Party to celebrate Frank to follow. (Obviously, Mister Fun would love you to prioritize the party). For funeral info call The Oaks Funeral Home 630-250-8588 or oaksfh.com