Obituary of John M. Thorpe

Sherrill-John M. Thorpe, age 74, passed away on January 15, 2025, in the comfort of his home and with his loving family at his side. He was born in Portland, Maine on March 22, 1950; the son of John Conley Thorpe and Elizabeth V. Merrell Thorpe. John graduated from Vernon Verona Sherrill High School before receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Le Moyne College. On October 27, 1972, John and Sheila Conley were united in marriage in New Paltz, New York, and have shared this vow of over fifty-two years. John worked as a plastics engineer with Oneida Molded Plastics and later with Tessy Plastics before retiring in 2007. He was an avid runner and won dozens of races in his heyday. He enjoyed fishing, winters in Florida with his wife, watching harness racing at Vernon Downs, and his cup of Dunkin' coffee. His cherished times were spent with his family, especially with his five grandchildren. In 1986, John decided to live his life one day at a time; gaining many new friends and will be remembered for his keen mind, shared wisdom, support, and his sharp wit. He was a parishioner at St. Helena's Church in Sherrill. John is survived by his wife, Sheila, his children and their spouses, Josh (Carolyn) Thorpe, Kevin (Mary) Thorpe, Ryan (Hector) Thorpe, Rob (Jess) Thorpe and his grandchildren, Benjamin Thorpe, Tess Thorpe, Anna Thorpe, Nicholas Thorpe, and Walker Thorpe, his sisters, Judy Zophy and Janie Thorpe, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and many nephews and nieces. John was predeceased by his parents and his sister Patricia and many other beloved family members. The family will greet friends on Saturday January 25, 2025 from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at St. Helena's Church Fellowship Hall, 204 Primo Avenue, Sherrill, NY. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 at St. Helena's Church. Spring burial will be in St. Helena's Cemetery, Oneida, NY. In memory of John, donations may be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford. Arrangements are with the Malecki Funeral Home of Sherrill. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com