Andrew C. Thorell

HOOKSETT - Andrew C. "Andy" Thorell, 98, of Hooksett passed away peacefully at Elliott Hospital on Feb. 20, 2013, with his son, daughter-in-law and grandson by his side.

He was born in Manchester on March 15, 1914, the son of Andrew Emanuel Thorell and Hannah Dahlen Thorell. He studied at Manchester Central High School. On Aug. 31, 1940, he married the love of his life, Abbie L. "Peggy" Kosch of Candia.

He began his military service in 1939 with the U.S. National Guard 172nd Field Artillery Regiment, attaining the rank of sergeant and then was promoted to staff sergeant with the U.S. Army 941st Field Artillery at the onset of World War II. He participated in the allied invasion of Normandy at Omaha Beach as well as the Battle of the Bulge. Throughout World War II, he fought in the European Theater and was then assigned to secure the Buchenwald concentration camp at the war's end until his safe return to the U.S.

A meticulous and exacting man, he was well-known and highly respected by many as a master craftsman. He was proficient in several trades but excelled as a custom painter and wallpaper expert. He was employed by George Goedecke & Son for 31 years as the company foreman. He semi-retired in 1976, and teamed with his son to start the family business, A.C. Thorell, Inc. Custom Painting and Decorating, from which he retired in 1982.

He was passionate about camping and the exploration of North America. After his retirement, he and his wife made nine cross-country runs in their travel trailer, traveling with the Good Sam Club and the Holiday Ramblers. His many travels encompassed the entire United States and Canada. He was an active participant of the Hooksettites Seniors Club, and he held the distinguished honor of being presented with the Boston Post Cane as the eldest citizen in Hooksett. He was a lifelong member of the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Manchester.

He is survived by his son, Allan C. Thorell and his daughter-in-law, Janet Thorell, both of New Durham; and his grandsons, Erick A. Thorell of Alton, and Andrew C. Thorell III of Lincoln. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Abbie Thorell; his son, Andrew C. Thorell Jr.; and his three brothers, Harry Thorell, George Thorell and Frank Thorell.

He was very proud of his service to the United States, his career accomplishments, and he was equally proud of his Swedish heritage.

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services: Funeral services will be conducted at the convenience of the family. Burial will take place at the Holbrook Cemetery in Candia. Memorial donations in his memory can be made to the Manchester Visiting Nurses Association, 33 S. Commercial Street #401, Manchester, 03101-2626.

Cate & Johnson Funeral Service of Manchester is conducting the arrangements.