Richard A. Thorpe

Richard A. Thorpe, 80, passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness. He was born on December 28, 1943 to the late Henry Thorpe Sr. and Edna (Ostrander) Thorpe.

After choosing to leave high school early to take care of himself he started his successful painting and wallpapering business which continued for 53 years. After his retirement, his longtime employee, John Hart, took over his business and Richard continued to work for him for another three years. Richard also worked with House Beautiful magazine as a set painter. Richard was a very caring person who enjoyed nature. He enjoyed bike rides around town, hikes up Stissing Mountain and walks around Thompson Pond. Richard enjoyed learning about the history of Pine Plains and had many pictures and newspaper articles pertaining to that history. He also loved animals of every kind and especially his pets of which he had many throughout the years.

Richard is survived by his brother Clifford Thorpe, several nieces and nephews and close family friends; Margaret Hart, John and Carol Hart, Jill Atherton, Joy Lynch, Tommy and Jackie Dawson, Mark Hart and Melissa Stickle-Clarke.

He was predeceased by his parents, a sister, Anita Devine and three brothers, Henry Jr, LeRoy and Donald.

Richard’s family would like to thank everyone from Hospice. From the nurses to the social workers, the chaplain and the pharmacy they were all very kind and caring and went above and beyond to make him comfortable. Richard called them all “his angels”.

Funeral Services will be held at Peck and Peck Funeral Homes, 7749 S. Main Street, Pine Plains, on Monday, June 24th at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend William Mayhew officiating. Family and friends will be received at the funeral home beginning at 10:30 prior to the service. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be made to either the Pine Plains Hose Company or Pine Plains Rescue Squad, PO Box 100, Pine Plains, NY 12567.