Mr. Thomas E. Thorp

UTICA - Mr. Thomas E. “Tom” Thorp, age 70, passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at the Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Johnson City, NY on January 2, 1948, Thomas was the son of the late Verna (Gaffany) Thorp. He was raised and educated in local schools, attending Utica Free Academy. A proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard, Tom served his country from 1965-1969 during the Vietnam era. On October 22, 1977 when he wed the former Gina C. Budlong. They were comfortable and content in each other’s company; he made her laugh, and she made him happy. She took care of him and held him in her heart during their 40 years together. They were best friends. Tom worked at the Utica Psychiatric Center, he was the Power Plant Engineer. He also served as the Building & Grounds Manager for the Sisters of St. Margaret’s House in New Hartford and was so proud of the rose garden and blooms that he grew there with his God-given green thumb. His most valued employment was at the Utica Federal Building where he was the Project Manager, the position from which he retired in 2010. Tom powered through life and was passionate about the things he loved. He had a wealth of knowledge and he challenged his mind and body to the max. He preferred classic rock ’n roll music and attended 100’s of band concerts. He published poetry under the pen name “Llord Nakcor”, most notably a tribute to Elvis which was placed in the racquetball court at Graceland! Later in life, he developed a fancy for fine cigars, and as any aficionado would do, he paired them up with a glass of Glenlivet 12 Scotch, straight up, by his side. By the way, he was also a huge New England Patriots football fan. His green thumb took root not only at his workplace but at his home, as well, in his impeccably manicured floral garden and vegetable patch. He knew exactly which varieties to plant, and he never found a pepper that was hot enough for his palate! Tom was an avid outdoorsman, hunting all seasons, and casting a line at Brook Trout Bend on the West Canada Creek with his late father-in-law, as well enjoying the sport of fly fishing. He was a polished pool player participating in many leagues and was also an avid chess player. An intense driver, he enjoyed traveling the country and seeing new sites. He also played Santa Claus at Christmastime for his nieces and nephews in Kentucky. Tom’s life was very full, and he lived it well, but his greatest joy was found in the love of his daughter, his “Belly Bear”, who loved her dad immensely. Tom had strong Christian beliefs and was inspired by God’s glory, especially when he was outdoors. He was a good man,… graced with a patriotic heart. Tom is survived by his wife, Gina; his beloved daughter, Kelley M. Thorp and David P. St. Onge; his sister and brother-in-law, Renee and Bob Sudol; brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Paula Sue Thorp; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Barbara and John Calabrese, as well as members of the Rocco, Rabbia, Lupia, and Gaetano families who loved Tom very much; his godchildren, Kayla Tartaglia and Laura Rabbia; and his many friends with special acknowledgment of Jason, Jamie, Tom and Greschen. His family will never forget their love and support. He was also blessed with many loyal, longtime friends. He was predeceased by his in-laws, George E. and Carmela (Gaetano) Budlong; his special sister-in-law Dee Dee Szczesniak, a.k.a., Sweetheart; his canine companion Hickory. The family is grateful to the physicians and staff of the ICU at the Veterans Medical Center in Syracuse, as well as the caregivers at the Veterans Outpatient Clinic in Rome for the compassionate, dignified care rendered to Tom. The family will receive visitors at his Memorial gathering which will be held Sunday afternoon from 1:30-2:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Thomas’ Memorial service and Celebration of Life will commence on Sunday at 2:30 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of the gathering, officiated by Pastor David Ossenfort. Military Honors will be conferred by the United States Coast Guard.

Mr. Thomas E. Thorp

January 2, 1948 - March 20, 2018