Dave Thornton, 70, a leading figure in the New York State travel and tourism industry for four decades, died suddenly on April 1st at Kingston (New Yok) Hospital. Thornton and his business partner, Charles Daley, owned and operated Destinations of New York State, one of the largest DMOs in the Northeastern U.S. The company organizes motorcoach and tour operator sales blitzes and International promotional sales missions throughout North America for New York State tourism suppliers and other DMOs. Thornton was a familiar figure at IPW, as Destinations of New York State attended the annual event for more than 30 years. Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Sherian; two daughters—Sarah of Boston and Andria Thornton of Pleasant Valley, NY; one: Larry and his wife Leann Thornton of Saugerties, NY; one sister, Joan Foley of Saugerties, NY; a sister-in-law, Nadine Thornton of Fairborne, Ohio.
