Richard A. Thorpe, 80, passed away peacefully at home on June 21 after a brief illness. He was born on December 28, 1943 to the late Henry Thorpe Sr. and Edna (Ostrander) Thorpe.
After choosing to leave high school early, he started a successful painting and wallpapering business which continued for 53 years. After his retirement, his longtime employee, John Hart, took over his business and Thorpe continued to work for him for another three years. He also worked with House Beautiful magazine as a set painter. Thorpe was a caring person who enjoyed nature, bike rides around town, hikes up Stissing Mountain and walks around Thompson Pond.
He is survived by his brother Clifford Thorpe, several nieces and nephews and close family friends; Margaret Hart, John and Carol Hart, Jill Atherton, Joy Lynch, Tommy and Jackie Dawson, Mark Hart and Melissa Stickle-Clarke.
He was predeceased by his parents, a sister, Anita Devine and three brothers, Henry Jr, LeRoy and Donald.
Thorpe’s family would like to thank everyone from Hospice. From the nurses to the social workers, the chaplain and the pharmacy they were all very kind and caring and went above and beyond to make him comfortable. He called them all his “angels”.
Funeral Services were held at Peck and Peck Funeral Homes, in Pine Plains June 24th. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Thorpe’s name may be made to either the Pine Plains Hose Company or Pine Plains Rescue Squad, PO Box 100, Pine Plains, NY 12567.