PGRNY Current Missions

Honor Mission

Warren W. Thornton

US Marine Corps
Vietnam War Veteran
and Firefighter

Schoharie, NY - 04/19/2025

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of Warren W. Thornton has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in his military honors funeral services. Mr. Thornton, 84, of Cobleskill, NY, formerly of Gallupville, NY, passed away Friday, January 3rd, 2025 at Ellis Hospital.

Born May 27, 1940 in Gallupville, NY, Mr. Thornton was a 1958 graduate of Schoharie High School and later, graduated from Cortland State Teachers College, class of 1962.  He later received his Master's degree from Union College. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1962 to 1967 as a helicopter pilot flying combat missions in Vietnam. Upon his honorable discharge at the rank of Captain, Mr. Thornton returned to his native Schoharie County and settled into a long teaching career at Middleburgh Central School where he taught Earth Science and coached the football team. He also lent his talents as a Tour Guide at the NYS Power Authority until that retirement in 2001.

Mr. Thornton was active in his community, serving as a Fire Commissioner, 2nd Assistant Chief, and volunteer with the Gallupville Fire Department.  He was a charter member of the Town of Wright Lions Club where he also served as President, a 35 year member of the American Legion Post #1261 in Schoharie, a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Gallupville, and drove for Scho-Wright Ambulance Service.

Portions of the above narrative are contained in Mr. Thornton's obituary, available for viewing online by clicking here.

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

04/19/2025 at 10:15am

Staging Location:

Langan Funeral Home
327 Main Street
Schoharie, New York 12157

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Paul Orzolek
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Special Information:

Staging at the funeral home with a flag line for a dignified transfer. Members will escort to the Old Stone Fort Cemetery, Fort Road, Schoharie, NY for interment with military honors.

UPDATED
Note:  For those that would like to ride down as a group, I will be staging at the Schoharie Park and Ride, adjacent to Exit 23 of I-88, with a KSU of 09:45 am.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Ray Sestak

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