Obituary: DeForest John Thornhill Jr., 70, of West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT - (From Cody-White Funeral Home) DeForest "Dee" John Thornhill Jr entered peaceful rest on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 in hospice care at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in West Haven, CT. He was the son of Etta (White) Thornhill and Deforest Thornhill Sr., born on August 7, 1949. He was 70 years old.

Dee served in the USMC in Vietnam where he was awarded 2 Purple Hearts as well as a Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Navy Achievement Medal with "V", a National Defense Service Medal and a Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. Dee had a heart and a smile that was endearing to everyone who met him.

His greatest pleasures were fishing and reading, Stephen King being his favorite author. He also enjoyed camping and NASCAR Racing. He cheered on his favorite # 22 Joey Lagano every Sunday during racing season. He was a member of the VFW in Devon and played pool there with his fellow veterans and their friends.

DeForest is survived by his devoted sisters, Lorraine J. Hart of Orange as well as Linda White and her husband John White of Milford. He is also survived by his nephew, Greg Thornhill who was more of a brother to Dee, and nephews, Todd White of Milford and Douglas White also of Milford. He also is survived by his niece, Tina Petrucci and her husband Michael of Milford. He leaves many other cousins as well.

Military Honors will be conducted on Friday, July 31, 2020 at 10 a.m. at Kings Highway Cemetery, 271 Cherry St., Milford, CT. All welcome. If you would like to make a contribution in his name, please do so with the Milford Striped Bass Club that sponsors Milford's Children's Fishing Derby every year. An email can be sent to poolshark442@aol.com for more information.