William D. Thorp

ATHOL—William D. “Bill” Thorp, 83, of White Pond Road, died early Tuesday morning, November 28, 2023 at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester.

Born in Gardner on May 16, 1940, he was the son of William G. and Mary E. (Aubrey) Thorp and grew up in Athol, attended Athol schools and graduated from Worcester Boys Trade School. He later attended Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner.

On January 5, 1962, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged on January 4, 1966.

On August 11, 1962, Bill married Donna M. (Bordeaux) and they have enjoyed 61 years of marriage.

Employed by the L. S. Starrett Company for 45 years, Bill had graduated the apprentice Tool Makers program and retired as the Plant Engineer. He was a member of the Starrett 25 year club.

Bill was very mechanically inclined and loved working on old cars, especially his street rods. He also enjoyed having the latest technical gadgets.

As the oldest member of Carb’s Hot Rod Club in Athol, “Gramps” as he was affectionately known there, enjoyed time with fellow members working on their vehicles. Bill had been a member of the Tully City Council Club, as well as the New England Timing Association, and chair of the Athol Department of Public Works Board.

Bill is survived by his wife, Donna Thorp, of Athol; his children, William A. Thorp and his wife DeeDee, of Orange, Robert D. Thorp of Athol, and Sally Posk and her husband, Terry, of Athol; grandchildren, Nicole Hebert and her husband, Curtis, of Petersham, Alan Coffin and his companion, Liz Malinn, of Millbury, Christopher Thorp and his wife, Kayla, of  Raytown, Missouri, Jamie Posk and his fiancee Stephanie Putnam, of Athol, Johanna Thorp of Massachusetts and Matthew D. Thorp of Hinsdale, NH; two great grandchildren, Emmett Hebert and Madison Hebert; a sister, Patricia Thorp of Westminster; and several nephews and nieces.

Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by a brother, Richard Thorp, on February 29, 2000.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 10 a.m until 12 noon at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A funeral service will follow at noon in the funeral home.

Interment will be in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA  01701.

Witty’s Funeral Home, i58 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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