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BORN
1947
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
CHRISTOPHER THORNLEY Obituary
A life filled with music, he recently served 28 years as Organist and Choirmaster at St. John's Episcopal Church in Northampton, and was heavily involved with overseeing the installation of the new pipe organ there.
Christopher was also a trusted member of the staff at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, over 15 years with Admissions and Scholarships in the Department of Music and Dance. He also served as departmental liaison for the renovation of Bezanson Recital Hall there.
He is survived by his life partner Gary Smith of Holyoke, his brother Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Thornley, nephews Kyle, Todd and Blake Thornley, Ontario Canada. His aunt June Thornley McShane and cousins Linda, Paul and Jeff McShane of Bucks County PA., and Marsha Henegar of Carrellton, VA.
A memorial service for Christopher will take place at St. John's Episcopal Church, Northampton, MA. in the spring of 2020. CZELUSNIAK FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHAMPTON is handling arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for CHRISTOPHER THORNLEY
STEVE AND JOAN LEVINE
November 7, 2023
Dear Gary,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Christopher was a wonderful person and, as you are, a wonderful friend and neighbor. He is very much missed!
Love,
Joan and Steve
DAvid Fox
March 28, 2021
Chris attended Pennsbury High School as myself and was a year behind me. He was a member of the Columbus Boys' Choir in Princeton, NJ, before attending my school in Yardley, PA. We were both in the school choir, though he had a much better voice. Both of us were interested in pipe organs and talked a bit about them when we met at lunch. I was sorry to hear of his passing.
Jennifer (Carpenter) Reid
December 11, 2019
Hi, Gary! We met a couple of times when the St. John's choir had picnics at Chris's house just north of Northampton. I could tell you funny stories and profoundly spiritual stories about the impact Chris had on me, my musical skills, and my confidence in singing music that was always slightly more challenging than I felt I could handle, yet I kept going because I loved so much of the music he selected for us to sing. I'm forever grateful for the 19 years he was a part of my life. He will forever live on in my heart.
Linda McShane
December 5, 2019
We all share your loss, Gary. Chris was a big part of my early years and even though adult life had us scattered we always kept in touch and he will be missed.
Jay & Theresa Martin
December 5, 2019
Dear Gary,
Jay and I were saddened to hear of your loss today. Chris was a gentleman and it was a pleasure to have met him. It seems he had a full life but not long enough. You and his family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Tryon Cote
December 5, 2019
Gary, I'm sorry I never met or knew Chris, but he was special to you, so he must have been a remarkable person. Words can't express my sorrow for your loss and those who loved him.
Marsha Pope Henegar
December 5, 2019
You know my sorrow at your loss, Gary. Chris was someone special, and a dear cousin and friend to me. We shared sweet memories of childhood.
Much love,
Marsha and Charlie
Dec. 2012
December 4, 2019
In the office at UMass Music Dept, 2008
December 4, 2019
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