WEST ROXBURY, Mass. — Thornton Ellis Osgood, 78, of East Dixfield, died peacefully the morning of Jan. 1, at the VA Hospital. His passing was the result of complications following surgery for pancreatic cancer.

He was born Jan. 8, 1933, in East Dixfield, a son of Roland and Marion (Ellis) Osgood. He received his education in East Dixfield and Wilton schools, graduating from Wilton Academy in 1951. He continued his education at Husson College, now known as Husson University.

On April 21, 1957, he married Cynthia Dyke in Wilton. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed for an extensive period of time in Germany.

Thornton became part owner of R.S. Osgood and Sons of East Dixfield and then pursued his interest in the electrical field, earning his master electrician’s license under the guidance of mentor and friend, Stuart Souther of Wilton. Following employment as an electrician for Bass Shoe Co., he started his own business, Osgood Electric, where he and son, Kelly continued to work until his recent illness.

He was a member of the Hosmer-Edwards American legion Post of Wilton, the Farmington Elks and the East Dixfield Fire Department (serving as chief for a number of years). He enjoyed traveling back roads, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and had a great love of motorcycles and antique tractors. He also enjoyed spending winter months in Leesburg, Fla. The Osgood family pets, Pixie and Chelsea, were easily and joyfully considered “family.”

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cynthia Osgood of East Dixfield; their sons, Kim Osgood and his wife, Darrah, of Clifton Park, N.Y., and Kelly Osgood and his wife, Sandy, of East Dixfield; grandchidoren, Brooke Osgood and her fiance, Ross Pancoe, of East Greenbush, N.Y., and Cole Osgood and his fiance, Kelsey Fagan. of Albany, N.Y.; one brother, Spencer Osgood and his companion, Fran Dupont, of Cocoa Beach, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Harlan Osgood; and sister-in-law, Sally Osgood.

Tributes and condolences may be shared with his family on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.