Roger Sherman Tharp III

Roger Sherman Tharp, III (October 17, 1940 - February 18, 2009) Roger S. Tharp, III, retired teacher in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 18, 2009, at Jennersville Regional Hospital. He was 68 years old. Roger was an active member of the greater Unionville community for over 40 years. He was, above all, a loving husband and father, beloved brother, dedicated teacher, and loyal friend. He touched the lives of other people in many ways: as a teacher and wrestling coach; through service as a board member of Boy Scout Troop 24 and The Southern Chester County Sportsmen�s and Farmer�s Assoc.; as a volunteer with numerous community organizations; and as a member of Unionville Presbyterian Church. Roger was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, on October 17, 1940, to Roger S. Tharp, Jr., and Rheta Mae Tinsman Tharp. After graduating from Hunterdon Central High School, he served in the US Navy as an electronics technician from 1960-64. Roger graduated from West Chester State College in 1968 with a BS in Secondary Education. He subsequently earned 60 post-graduate credits in education. While at West Chester, Roger met and later married his wife, Mary, also a public school teacher. He began his 35-year teaching career at Unionville High School, and later taught algebra at CF Patton Middle School. Roger and his wife owned and operated Fox Willow Apartments for 33 years. They retired to the Jenners Pond Retirement Community in 2004, where Roger lived until his recent passing. Roger is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary; his son, Roger S. Tharp IV, of State College, PA; his daughter, Dee Pekruhn, of Springfield, VA, and her husband, Colin; and a sister, Judith Faccenda, of Port Charlotte, FL. A younger sister, Dolores Mae Tharp, passed away in 1972. Roger Tharp will be fondly remembered by family, friends, and students for his winning smile, jovial personality, and unfailing willingness to help others in any way possible. His Funeral service will be held at 11:00 Wednesday morning, February 25, 2009 at the Unionville Presbyterian Church, 815 Wollaston Road, Unionville, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Roger�s name to: The Unionville-Chadds Ford Community Scholarship Fund c/o Unionville High School, 610-347-1600 or, Neighborhood Health Agencies, RE: Visiting Nurses, 610-696-6511. Arrangements by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Inc., Kennett Square, PA. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecofuneralhomes.com