Dr. G. William "Bill" Thorne

Dr. G. William (Bill) Thorne died peacefully at home on Friday, October 31, 2025. He was born on March 17, 1952, in Somerville, NJ, to the late George L. and Katherine (Parr) Thorne.

Bill grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Clinton, NJ where he loved spending time and living near his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was a talented runner, graduating from North Hunterdon High School in New Jersey in 1970. He was recently inducted into the North Hunterdon Hall of Fame as a member of the undefeated 1968 cross-country team. At the University of Connecticut, he was a sprinter and member of the record setting 4x440 yard relay team. After graduating in 1974, he often said that UConn “made him” and remained proud to be part of its legacy.

Bill went on to earn his DDS degree from Georgetown University. In 1987, he purchased Dr. W. O. Potts dental practice and moved to Greencastle, PA, where he practiced dentistry until his retirement in 2013 due to health issues. He loved being a dentist, valued the relationships he built with his patients, and greatly enjoyed working alongside his business partner and lifelong friend, Dr. Justin Hollingshead.

Bill gave back to his community in many ways. Before his health declined, he was an active member of Greencastle Presbyterian Church and served on the boards of the Waynesboro Country Club, The Arc of Franklin County, the Greencastle-Antrim School Board, the Greencastle Chamber of Commerce, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for dental representation in radiation protection.

Bill loved being a father to his daughter, Amelia. He ceaselessly supported and encouraged her, cherishing their time together traveling to track meets and taking yearly trips to Virgin Gorda with her and his mother.

He is survived by his wife, Jayne Keller; his daughter, Amelia Thorne (Justin Moore); his brother, Jeff Thorne (Bev); his stepdaughters, Kristen Willwerth (Josh Steele), Laura Dunbar (Blake), and Megan Willwerth (Joey Roberts); five grandchildren; and extended family.

A memorial service will be held at Greencastle Presbyterian Church, 57 West Baltimore Street, Greencastle, PA, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM, where Rev. Dr. A. Robert Cook will officiate. Arrangements are entrusted to the Harold M. Zimmerman and Son Funeral Home, Inc., Greencastle, PA. Online condolences may be offered on his page at www.zimmermanfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Greencastle Presbyterian Church online(https://onrealm.org/GreencastlePres/-/form/give/now), the UConn Foundation/Athletics, 2095 Hillside Rd. Storrs, CT 06269 in memo write Bill Thorne Track, or a charity of your choice in his honor.