John W. Thorpe, Sr.

MANCHESTER- John W. Thorpe, Sr., 76, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2015 at York Hospital. He was the husband of the late Lillian Gail (Johnson) Thorpe. A Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2015 at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens in York. York County Veterans Honor Guard will preform a military ceremony to open the service and following, there will be a gathering with a light luncheon at John Jr.’s residence. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd. in York is in charge of the arrangements. Mr. Thorpe was born in Abington, Montgomery County, PA on March 6, 1939, the son of the late James K. and Edith E. (Roberts) Thorpe. He honorably served his country in the US Navy. In the 1960s, he was a member of the Trevose Fire Company, serving as a volunteer first responder. He was also part of an eleven-man team who won the World Championship Heavy Rescue competition in Baltimore MD. He retired from truck driving in 2000 with an impeccable safety record. His 3 million mile, accident free career, also included driver training and service as a safety officer. Mr. Thorpe enjoyed golfing, bowling, camping and canoeing and was a member of The Rolling Rock Canoe Club. Mr. Thorpe leaves a son, John W. Thorpe, Jr. of York; two daughters, Carolyn E. Brown of Collegeville and Diane L. Thorpe of York; a granddaughter, India L. Brown; a brother, James E. Thorpe of Bensalem; and a sister, Jane Lois Jackson of Townsend, Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to DAV, 4219 E. Trindle Rd., Camp Hill, PA 17011 or a charity of choice.