Founding Principal Charles H. Thornton, a renowned structural engineer, educator and mentor, died in Maryland on December 12 following a brief illness. He was 83 years old. Charlie, who retired in 2004, had served as chairman and CEO. During a career that spanned some 60 years, Charlie played a leading role in the design and construction of some of the world’s most famous buildings while helping to transform a small New York engineering firm into the international multidisciplinary organization it is today.

“Charlie was a visionary, foreseeing the needs of structural engineering, our clients, the building industry and the public it serves,” Founding Principal Richard Tomasetti said. “He was equally dedicated to mentoring everyone in our firm, our partners and future generations through his founding of the ACE Mentor Program of America. I am fortunate to have had Charlie as my partner and friend for more than 60 years and to have shared in his inspiring journey that helped people achieve more than they ever imagined.”