John Henry Thorpe

On March 14, 2013 Pop-Pop passed from his earthly life into his eternal reward with God. He was born in Roselle Park, New Jersey on January 22, 1919 to Ernest and Ellen Thorpe. He spent his early years traveling from coast to coast and living in many states. As a young man Jack was a skilled athlete playing many sports, including his favorite baseball. He was also a life long lover of horse racing.

He graduated from Bassick High School as an honor roll student and was offered an opportunity to play baseball at the University of Connecticut but declined for economic reasons. Instead of college he went to work for the Bridgeport Brass Co. In 1941 he met and married Elizabeth (Lea) Genci, the love of his life. They were married for 71 years.

As a member of the ‘greatest generation’ he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy in WWII. He participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and later helped build athletic fields in Japan during its occupation. Many times after returning home he would say, “The good Lord blessed me and allowed me to return unharmed – all the rest of my life is gravy”.

He worked in engineering for many years at John Hopkins in Baltimore, MD. After accepting a position at Texas Instruments in 1958, he, his wife, and daughter moved to Dallas. He became an avid golfer. After his retirement he and Lea moved to Hide-A-Way Lake in Lindale where he designed and helped build their unique A-frame house. In 2005 they moved back to Richardson to be close to family.

He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Lea; daughter and son-in law, Judi and Tom Hampton; grandson, John Hampton; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Cathi and Bron Rayburn; great-grandchildren, Taryn Rayburn, Brynn Rayburn and Thomas Hampton; Thomas’ mother, Kim Hampton, and many nieces and nephews.

The marks by which each of us define a meaningful life may vary…..service to country, hard work, integrity, a model of perseverance and endurance, unwavering devotion to family. All these leave a positive example for future generations. The grief we feel in losing our example is tempered by our thankfulness to the Lord for his good and long life.

A Mass of Christian burial and a celebration of his life will be on Wednesday, March 20th at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Richardson. Rosary at 9:30 and service at 10:00. Interment will be at DFW Veteran’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made in his name to the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the charity of your choice.