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Michael Thornburg Obituary
Virginia Beach - Michael Terry Thornburg, 66, was taken to his eternal rest on the evening of Aug. 8, 2014. He was born in Denver, CO as the son of Antoinette Carabetta & Edmund "Earl" Thornburg. He is survived by his wife Rhodora, three children: Nina, Michelle, and Joseph, 3 grandchildren: Dylan, Mason, and Zoey, and brothers John and Steve Thornburg.
Mike is a retired LCDR of the USN where he served honorably for 30yrs. He was well traveled and subsequently was a cultivated, robust and intelligent man. Also a man of faith, Mike served the church community to which he volunteered much of his time. He became a 4th Degree Knight in Fr. Habet's assembly of the Knights of Columbus and participated in numerous benefits for charity.
Music was Mike's passion and he contributed his talents to the church choirs of St. Mark and St. Gregory the Great, lovingly known as the "Guitar Dude". He also wrote songs for the church as a way to share the music in his heart. His love of music was expressed though his involvement in various musical ventures-singing baritone for N'Tune, his barbershop quartet and playing guitar with his 'Singing Sistahs'.
Everyone who met Mike would agree that he was full of life and laughter, never missing an opportunity to display his fantastic sense of humor. Mike pursued his hobbies and interests with great pride. He transitioned easily between being the 'Guitar Dude' to being the 'Biker Dude' for he relished opportunities to ride to music practices on his Harley Davidson. Mike was very fond of his pets, always taking great care of his dogs, fish, and especially Casey Jane, his macaw.
Mike's influence was prevalent among those in all aspects of his life- from his shipmates during the earliest of his military days to the doctors and nurses during his final days. Mike's family would like to thank his many friends, neighbors, and doctors who gave of their time and provided assistance. The abundance of support has been especially welcome, and our gratefulness knows no bounds.
The world has lost a beautiful soul, and the ensuing sadness will certainly be difficult to bear. We will take solace in the fact that Mike is watching over us, and comforting us with his music and enduring memory.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church on Sat., Aug. 16, 2014 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions suggested to the family. The family welcomes all. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Thornburg
Del Ryder
August 31, 2022
I'm very late to offer condolences, but just came across this site wondering what Mike was doing. We rented an apartment together in Okinawa, Japan many years ago. We both wanted to get out of the barracks. The man was a real kick, funny as hell and a very good friend. I read through all the enties on this site and all comments are so true. At the time I knew him he was an ADR-2 and planning to be a lifer. I see he realized his dream and then some. I've thought of him often over the years. I don't think I've met a more positive person since. His photo I see on this site looks just like I remember him. Can't say it enough... he was a very good man.
Janet and Jack Faubion
August 21, 2014
Mike was such a wonderful man, with an incredible persobality blending his talent, humor, kindness, intelligence and devotion to his family, friends and his church. He was an honor to know and we are grateful for our recent visit with Mike. He seemed the picture of health and it never crossed our minds that he would soon leave the earth to be with his Heavenly Father. If anyone deserved and earned his wings on earth it was Mike. May he rest in peace and thanks again Mike for my one and only Harley ride. God bless you our friend and your family . . . until we all meet again...may you sing with the angels and know always how much you are loved, respected and missed.
Gary Mann
August 15, 2014
Rest in Peace shipmate. You will be remembered and missed by many.
Mike Vallejos
August 14, 2014
Mike and I were classmates in grade school (St. Dominic's '62) and high school (Cathedral '66). We were in cub scouts, softball, altar boys, etc. together. He was a nice kid, always in a good mood, funny and fun. I never heard an unkind word from Mike. My condolences to his family and friends.
Bob Mohar
August 14, 2014
So sorry to hear of Mikes passing.He was great guy in H.S and to your family please I am so sorry.We were in the class of 1966
Julie Finnerty, Chotiner
August 14, 2014
I graduated high school with Mike in 1966. He was a great guy! My deepest sympathy to his wife and family.
Luisito Castillo
August 14, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
August 14, 2014
We attended and graduated from Cathedral HS in 1966. Mike was so "quietly funny " you just had so much fun when he was around. God bless your soul Mike... Marsha Navarro Amick
August 14, 2014
Dorie - Saddened to learn of Mike's passing, but pleased that I got to be with him for a short while at the hospital. Mike was, indeed, a friend to so many at St. Mark's and St. Gregory's. We will miss his many talents, but know that we will see him again, one day!
Gary Grahn
August 14, 2014
Rest in peace Brother.
Jim and Bette Thomas
August 14, 2014
My dear Guitar Dude I will so miss your beautiful smile and your beautiful music. You always made us feel special. Reat in peace with your Lord. We love you.
John Sheppard
August 14, 2014
We were shipmates aboard the aircraft carrier USS RANGER. He was a fine man, a genuine leader with compassion and fairness. He kept the tyrants which abound in life "in check."
Jo Anna Morelli
August 13, 2014
We will truly miss him every Sunday at Mass. Rest in Peace Michael..
Harold & Diane Fischer
August 13, 2014
Our prayers are with you. May God bless your family and give you strength and grace.
Kelly Ingold
August 13, 2014
Rest in peace my fellow friend and co -worker and biker dude!! I know you will be watching over us.
Steve Westra
August 13, 2014
Sadly, I never did get to hear Mike and his friends sing but sure did hear and enjoy a lot of laughter with Mike, so sweet and so honorable with great pride and commitment to his family, friends, church (and his pets!)
Sharon Schmidt
August 13, 2014
Rest in peac Mike. I am a better person for knowing you(Saint Leo University)
Frank Giuliano
August 13, 2014
I knew Mike in 1966-67 when we attended Trinidad State Junior College. We always had fun and he was a blast to be around. He was a great guy and will be missed. Rock On Brother in Heaven.
Jeannette Selan
August 13, 2014
Mike was a treasure at work. He had an easy smile, always willing to see that students had what they needed for their college endeavors. As a teacher he shared his vast knowledge of human resources with an manner that was both professional and personal. I will treasure my memories of him.
Dawn Wilson
August 13, 2014
Mike had a contagious personality filling any room with laughter and smiles. Often done with his joke telling or his gleeful ability to sing a line to a song that would often end up stuck in your head for hours. I enjoyed working with Mike.
Several things are for sure about Mike --he loved his family, his music, his motorcycle, his Navy, his stories, and his life. Mike you will be tremendously missed especially by those you simply touched and those of us touched were simply blessed to have known you. Thank you Mike for the stories and the songs. Rest in peace.
Alex Owings
August 13, 2014
I did not know Mr. Thornburg however I do know his daughter Michelle an from what I am reading she is just as good of a person as her father. May The Lord be with the family and close friends through this loss.
John Cadell
August 13, 2014
Mike was many things to many people. His absolute joy at being able to help others in many different ways is a hallmark of how he will always stand tallest among his many friends and fraternal Knights of Columbus brothers. Truly, Mike is now at peace, singing with the Angels and Saints in Heaven. Rest easy Mike.
William (bill) Walton
August 13, 2014
Michael Thornburg a knights of Columbus member of 9056 st. Benedict's council our bother knight will be miss he was a good friend I always love his singing at 9:00 mass now he is singing up in heaven
Barbara Hawthorne
August 12, 2014
Mike was our neighbor of over 10 years, he always greeted us with a smile every time we saw him. We will forever miss his kindness.
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