DAVID PEARSON THORPE

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University of Pittsburgh

DAVID THORPE Obituary

David Pearson Thorpe, 73, of Naperville, formerly of Glen Ellyn, passed away Friday April 16 peacefully at home after a five year battle with prostate cancer. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, lived 14 years in Titusville, PA, and 7 years in Auburn Heights, MI. He graduated from The University of Pittsburgh and worked for 40 years as a metallurgical engineer for various steel companies. His life's mission was dedicated to his faith and his church, leading several mission trips to Honduras, supporting the Midwest Mission Distribution Center, and actively championing The Glen Ellyn/Wheaton CROP WALK. After retiring in 2001 he increased his volunteering to include the DuPage Community Clinic in Wheaton, and was on the board of the Humboldt Park Social Services. Survived by his wife of 54 years, Norma, nee Campbell; and children, William, Rebecca (John) Flood, Daniel (Fran), and Polly (Robert) Acton; grandchildren, Kate (Chris) Verbrugge, Rob Flood, Eric Thorpe, Christopher Thorpe, James Acton, Russell Acton, Daniel Acton, Amy Acton, and Thomas Acton. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet; his parents, Harriet and John; and by his brother, John. He is also survived by his sister Marjorie (Chris) Worst, and various nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 25, at St. Thomas United Methodist Church, 2 S 511 Rt. 53, Glen Ellyn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Thomas UMC Building Fund, the Humboldt Park Social Services Center for Changing Lives, 3051 W. Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647, or the DuPage Community Clinic, 1506 East Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Apr. 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID THORPE

11 Entries

Alice Breitenbach Brown

May 3, 2010

Dave was one of the best men I have ever known. I know this is a huge statement to make but it is true. Everything he did was from the heart. He was very generous with his gifts, with his time and, most importantly, with himself. He was always there for everyone who needed him, no strings attached. And, how he loved his beautiful wife, Norma! Dave had a tremendous impact on those who were fortunate to have known him. My children and I were so blessed to have had him in our lives. Without a doubt, God welcomed him into heaven saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Deborah McCoy

April 25, 2010

We will miss Dave's generous spirit on the board of Humboldt Park Social Services. His optimism and commitment were a constant source of inspiration to me and to everyone who had the good fortune to come into contact with him. Rest eternal and life perpetual...

Deborah McCoy
President
Humboldt Park Social Services

Keila Buthman

April 25, 2010

Dave's was the face when i went into church that always made me smile and feel truly good about being there with my church family. he always encouraged me and others in a way that was so selfless, and only wished the best on everyone he encountered. he will be greatly missed and we'll remember him as an exceptional man of God, a man brought into this world to bring warmth and unconditional love to all that he met so that we may emanate some of that to the others around us. So here's to a full life and may he rest in peace.

Mark Disbrow

April 22, 2010

I happened to page through the Tribune business section and saw the obituary for Mr. Thorpe. My deepest sympathy to the entire Thorpe family. Mr Thorpe left a great impression on me when I was a teenager in Michigan.

Lisa Rivers

April 20, 2010

We will miss Dave, a very dear and good man; and a great example to us of how to lead a life full of love and purpose. I can't think of Dave without thinking of the John Wesley quote:

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can!

Dave was amazing!

Pam Campell

April 20, 2010

Dave is my former brother-in-law, and his death saddens me. He and his wife Norma used to host the whole Campbell clan for Thanksgiving weekend at their large, old home in Titusville, PA. Picture food and people (young and old) everywhere from Wed. eve to Sunday. My three children looked forward to seeing their Thorpe cousins at these family gatherings. What I remember most is Dave's keen sense of humor and his being a devoted family man. He is truly an quiet hero in my book.

You will be missed by family, friends and business associates.

Chris Delacruz

April 19, 2010

I first met David when the Thorpes lived in Michigan- back in 74 or 75. I was just coming of age as a teenage boy. Just being the man he was, "Mr. Thorpe" set an example that made a significant difference in my life.
Godspeed David.

Bonnie Erickson

April 19, 2010

Becky,
You and your family are in my prayers. May your father rest in the peace of God.

Tom Ackerman

April 19, 2010

I knew Dave from working with him at Republic. He was a wonderful person and business associate. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Shirley Barclay

April 19, 2010

Becky, John, Kate, Rob,
You have my Christian sympathy.

Jean & Richard Feid

April 19, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.