Gerald Thorne

Gerald Saunders Thorne graced this world with his presence on December 26, 1935. He left us on January 11. 2024 at the youthful age of 88. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gerald - or Jerry as he was affectionately known, was the son of Henry George Thorne and Clotilda Maude Thorne, and the brother to John and Audrey Thorne. As a child, Jerry was an Eagle Scout, worked at a farm caring for animals, and as a young adult, loved spending summers at Lake Ronkonkoma.
In 1954, he met the love of his life, Carol. They were married in 1955 and spent 52 remarkable years together. They lived abroad in Germany while Jerry proudly served his country as a member of the Military Police. In Germany, Jerry and Carol had their first daughter, Lynn. Shortly after, they returned home to Brooklyn and continued to build their family with the birth of Cheryl, Scott, and Audrey. In 1966, they moved to Old Bridge, New Jersey, where their son Jeffrey was born. Jerry worked as a member of the Carpenter's Union in NYC for many years, until he started his own business, and continued to share his talent and passion for building things.
Following years spent with their family and cherishing moments with their grandchildren in New Jersey, Jerry and Carol retired to Clearwater, Florida. Here, they enjoyed having their family and friends visit, and in quieter times, found joy in their backyard visitors: Ed & Henry the herons, and Tootsie the raccoon. While Jerry and Carol enjoyed living in Florida, all that they loved was back in New Jersey, so they returned home.
Words fall short when attempting to describe this incredible man. Jerry's personality was larger than life, his smile infectious, he transformed any room he entered. He was by no means a simple man, but he found joy in simple pleasures. He loved his recliner, black & white movies, listening to Frank Sinatra, a good scotch, his country, and most of all his family, extended family and friends. Known best as "Gran the Man", he was truly everyone's Gran. His door was always open, and whether you sat at his table one time or one hundred times, he made you feel welcome, at ease, and loved.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Clotilda Thorne, his brother John Thorne, sister Audrey Thorne, his beloved wife Carol Thorne, son Scott Thorne, and son-in law Michael Reynolds. His legacy continues in his surviving children: Lynn Reynolds; Cheryl Arvidson and her husband, Keith; Audrey Lotti and her husband, John; Jeffrey Thorne and his wife, Dana, thirteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and a host of extended family members. Although he if no longer with us, he has left a lasting imprint on those fortunate enough to have known him.
A viewing will be held Sunday, January 14 from 1pm-4pm at Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Route 516, Old Bridge, NJ 08857.
The funeral will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 2 pm at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 90 Leonardine Ave,South River, NJ 08882. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to St. Jude's at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=impactgiving-donate-1x-bttn-top&frequency_selected=0
Grandchildren: Jennifer Curreri, Brook Howe, Michael Reynolds, Nicole Magistro, Ashley Pidoto, Keith Arvidson, Taylor Thorne, Arianna Thorne, Zachary Lotti, Samantha Lotti, Anthony Lotti, Skyler Thorne, Carly Thorne
Great Grandchildren: Joseph Curreri, Rocco Curreri, Valentina Curreri, Kaelyn Howe, Avery Magistro, Stella Magistro, Christina Pidoto, London Pidoto, Harper Pidoto, Ellie Arvidson, Aiden Thorne, Cameron Pidoto
Online condolences can be given at www.oldbridgefh.com.