Donald Frank Thorp, 82, passed away Sunday (April 25, 2021) at home.
Mr. Thorp was born on Sept. 13, 1938 in North Hornell to Donald G. and Dortha W. (Moore) Thorp. He was a 1957 graduate of Andover Central School. On Aug. 13, 1960, at the Andover Presbyterian Church he married Shirley Lou Vickers, who survives. During his early married life, he served in the United States Army from 1961-1963, being discharged two days prior to JFK’s assassination and two months after the birth of their first child, Cindy.
Upon arriving back in Andover, he worked with Dick Baker for several years in the construction business, building homes in many parts of Allegany County. In 1976 two events happened. Don began driving school bus for Andover Central School on a part-time basis and he open Body by Don where he began his autobody business. A lot of his business came from Hetzel Buick in Wellsville. In 1985, Don became the Andover Central School Transportation Supervisor, a position he held until his retirement in 1995.
In addition to his wife of 60 years, Don is survived by two daughters, Katherine Ann (Tim) Taylor of Bolivar and Debra Lynn (Gary) Slade of Elm Valley; five sisters, Carolyn “Junie” (Ike) Rogers of Andover, Diana (Steve) Burton of Elm Valley, Sandra (Everett) Haworth of Pratt, Kans., Noreen Scroggin of Sheridan, Wyo. and Maureen (Gary) Swan of East Berlin. Pa.; two brothers, Glen (Sharon) Thorp and David (Mel) Thorp, both of Andover; five grandchildren, Brittany (Andy) Cornell, Courtney (Tom) Demetreu, Kodi Taylor, Keegan (Sarah) Taylor and Kye Taylor; five great grandchildren, Conner Cornell, Derek Cornell, James Demetreu, Hannah Demetreu and Charlotte Taylor; a lifelong friend, Pat Carson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by a daughter, Cynthia Marie Thorp; two sisters, Wanda (Tommy) Lynch and Sharon (Bill) Cole; and two brothers-in-law Bill St. Martin and Ward Scroggin.
Don was known as a practical joker who delighted to reel in his latest prey and he had nicknames for just about everyone he knew. He had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious smile. Don looked forward to the daily “morning board meeting” at Andover Hardware.
Don loved cooking and when it came to sweets like cookies, pies and brownies, he never missed an opportunity to delight his family and friends. He loved to mingle at the various auctions and garage sales, where he indulged in his favorite habit of collecting stuff. Don was also known as Andover’s town bicycle repairman and there wasn’t a lawnmower he couldn’t fix. He also loved country music and watching his favorite singers on TV at 8:00 each night.
In high school, Don could hit the baseball farther than anyone else, which was necessary because it took him longer to round the bases. He was an avid sports fan in general and a big time Buffalo Sabres fan.
Don started as sexton of Hillside Cemetery in the 1970’s and served as its president for 50 years, retiring from that role in 2017. He was a long-time member of the Andover Masonic Lodge, the Andover Volunteer Fire Department and the Andover Presbyterian Church.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will be no prior visitation. The memorial service will be held at the Andover Presbyterian Church on Saturday (May 1) at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Christian Mattison, officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Hillside Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Don’s name may be made to Hillside Cemetery Association, N. Main St., Andover, NY 14806. © 2021 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
