Luther E. Thurlow

Luther E. Thurlow passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Friday, June 20, 2025. Luther was born in Worcester, MA to the late Harry and Phyllis (Stevens) Thurlow. He was one of 14 children. He is predeceased by his siblings Harry Jr., Marjorie, Calvin, Charles "Chuckie", and Warren. He is survived by his remaining siblings, Ethel "Dolly" Larkin, Andy, Phil, Carl, Keith, Phyllis Birch, Mark, and Tommy.

On his 18th birthday, Luther married the love of his life, Lorraine (Miller) Thurlow. He was a dedicated, loyal, hard working husband who adored his wife until the day he died. They celebrated their 60th anniversary this past November.

Luther started his career working for Gus "Pop" Campbell milking cows. From there, he found an opportunity to work for the State of Connecticut in the dairy barn, where he worked for 19 years and 6 months. During that time at the barn he would get out of work at 12, so he was always finding a "side hustle" to earn extra money to better his family. Those extra jobs included his beloved haying, cleaning out chicken coops, plowing driveways, and any other gig that would bring some extra money in to save for his family. Eventually, these jobs and connections would lead him to his true career that he loved; selling real estate. He studied to achieve his real estate sales license, then went on to get his broker's license and created Luther's Real Estate. He loved to help young families build their new homes; selling hundreds of modular homes all across Northeast Connecticut. He had a vast knowledge of local history, loved to share it with whoever would listen, and use that knowledge to find "lost land". He had an art for putting the deal together.

Luther was a big believer in contributing to the community you live in. He was a member of the Canterbury Volunteer Fire Dept, serving as chief for a term, a life member of the Grange and the Masons, served as Canterbury's representative at the Northeast District Department of Health for 27 years, was the Emergency Management Director for many years, Chairman of Canterbury's Republican Town Committee, and a Justice of the Peace. He spent many hours of his personal life donating time to improve Canterbury. He, along with a group of friends, formed a business partnership to develop what is now considered the retail center of Canterbury. They created a commercial zone and built the "Canterbury Mall", the post office building and the town hall. They later sold off lots to create the senior housing and other commercial lots for retail businesses.

Although he enjoyed his work, and often wouldn't show up at home until the smell of Lorraine's good cooking would waft out the door, Luther was a true family man. He loved his wife, kids and extended family more than anything. He fought till the end, not wanting to leave behind his beloved wife Lorraine and daughters, Sherry (Jack Rekus) Thurlow, and Carolyn Craig; his grandkids, Destin LePage (Mike Marceau), Brandon and Bethany LePage, Nicole Craig (Alex Partosan), and Jason Craig; great grandkids, Braxton and Benjamin LePage, Lisa Marceau and Baby Partosan. He was predeceased by his daughter Lisa and son in law Jim Craig.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Luther's family from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Dougherty Brothers Funeral Home, 595 Norwich Rd, Plainfield, CT. A memorial service will immediately follow in the funeral home.