FRANCIS THORNE

WE KNEW FRANCES, HE WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL MAN, SO TALENTED..VERY QUIET, AND UNPRETENSIOUS. HE VISITED US AT OUR HOME IN ALLENDALE, NJ. OCCASIONALLY KENNY MET HIM IN NY AND HAD DINNER AT THE KNICKERBOCKER. GOOD PERSON HE WAS . WE MISS HIM.

Francis was lovely, Kenneth use to meet with Franicis even came to viisit us when we lived in Allendale, NJ. Francis so talented, and very kind. We miss him. thank you. Kenny and Judith Blau. march 2022

THERE IS SO MUCH TO SAY ABOUT FRANCIS THORNE. HE WAS A PRODOGY. HE WAS KIND, WHICH IS SO IMPORTANT. TODAY IS DECEMBER 12, 2020, THE WORLD LOST A MASTER.. KENNY AND JUDY BLAU. I SOMETIMES THINK OF FRANCIS, AND WISH WE CAN ALL TALK AGAIN. WISHING HE WAS STILL HERE. KENNY AND JUDY BLAU. 201-895.3815. THANK YOU GOD FOR MR. THORNE.

BESIDES BEING A GREAT COMPOSER, HE WAS A TRULY BEAUTIFUL MAN. KENNY BLAU, MY HUSBAND HAD FRANCIS COME TO OUR HOME IN ALENDALE, NJ. HE AUTOGRAPHED HIS RECORD ALBUM MUSIC FROM COLE PORTER. KENNETH AND I MISS HIM , THANK YOU KENNETH AND JUDITH BLAU NOVEMBER 2, 2

Deepest sympathy to the Thorn family.
Mr. Thorn and my mother were residents at Geer Village (and then Geer Nursing) at the same time and passed away 3 weeks apart. He was another amazing person born in 1922! He brightened so many days for Geer residents with his planned and impromptu piano concerts. What a joy it was to hear his beautiful music drifting up from the lobby! Your father and grandfather was a true gentleman.
Wishes for peace to you all.

As a youngster first entering the jazz world Franny was an inspiration and a source of encouragement. For many years all Thornes and close relatives would assemble on Christmas night in NYC and Franny would regal us with music and good cheer well into the night. So many accomplishments. Bless him.

It was an absolute honor and privilege to care for Francis during the last moments of his time here. He was a gentle and compassionate spirit that brightened up the lives of those around him. I will miss his sweet words and compliments, and most of all his ability to still remember every note of his music. May you rest in peace dear Francis.

Franny and I worked closely together in the 1970s at the American Composers Alliance and
working hard to get the American Composers Orcheatra up and running.
His steadfast grace and calm demeanor seemed to increase as exasperating circumstances increased. I hope a little bit of that rubbed off on me.
His support and enthusiasm for whatever I was doing never wavered.
Fran made a positive impact on my life, and I dare say on all those whose lives he touched.

The American Composers Orchestra was such an incredible gift to composers and the world of orchestral music. As a composer living in NYC, it was always thrilling to attend ACO concerts. The audience was filled with contemporary composers and musicians and the energy was electric. The programs presented an amazing spectrum of beautifully intriguing and stimulating music. I always came away inspired and revitalized. I will always be so very grateful for Francis Thorne's vision.