Michael Joseph Thornett, 81, of Damascus, Maryland, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, surrounded by family.  He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Kathy, his sons Geoffrey Matthew (Jennifer) and Christopher (Jennifer), and grandchildren, Sydney Cate, Harper, Emily, Gabe, Sarah, and Eli.  He is also survived by his brother Robert (Christie) of Selbyville, Delaware, and his sisters-in-law, Cindy of Wilmington, North Carolina and Anne of Boston, Massachusetts.  He was preceded in death by his parents Helen and Geoffrey, his sister, Anne Miller Haack, and his brothers Richard and Fred.

Michael was born on November 12, 1943, in Washington, DC. He proudly graduated from Gonzaga College High School in 1961 and attended Providence College, Loyola University of Chicago and Scranton University.  He then followed a calling and entered the Jesuit Seminary in 1963, where he began a life of serving God and others.  After leaving the Seminary, he became a Guidance Counselor at St. John’s College High School and later worked at a variety of middle and high schools in Montgomery County, MD. During his years as a counselor, he was a champion for all students and had an impact on countless lives.  After retiring from Damascus High School, he became a Certified Public Accountant and ran a successful CPA practice.  He also founded Thor Teams, a non-profit mentoring program for “at risk” middle and high school students in the Damascus community.  Hundreds of students benefited from this program which successfully propelled them through high school, and many onto college or careers that were once “out of reach.”   Finally, he was a dedicated Damascus Lion, a long-time member of St. Paul Catholic Church, and a volunteer with Faith Connections.  

Mike enjoyed playing golf with his sons, brothers and friends.  When not on the golf course, you could find him working in his garden growing assorted vegetables and dahlias and spending time with new and old friends.  He loved spending time in Bethany Beach with Kathy and was a die-hard Washington Nationals and Commanders fan.  Above all, he treasured the time he spent watching his grandchildren at their swimming, diving, football and musical competitions and performances.

The family will host a visitation on Friday, January 31st at 10:00 am followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church in Damascus, MD.  A reception at the church will follow. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mike’s name to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation at ChristopherReeve.org/donate  or the Montgomery County Maryland Future Link organization at futurelinkmd.org/donate.

Online condolences may be shared with his family on our website at www.molesworthwilliams,com

No Services at the funeral home.

Please do not send flower to the funeral home.