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Thomas K. "Tom" Thorp

July 22, 1959 - July 08, 2025

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Obituary For Thomas K. "Tom" Thorp

Of Pittsburgh, PA, originally from Hackettstown, NJ, died on July 8, 2025, at the age of 65.

Tom lived for his family and community. He will be missed for his unique blend of thoughtfulness, empathy, energy, practicality, and humor.

He grew up in Hackettstown, where he eventually returned and joined the private law practice begun by his father, Albert Thorp, who was also born and raised in Hackettstown. Tom ran the general law practice for 25 years - work which also included service as the Municipal Attorney for the Town of Hackettstown. He was most proud of providing counsel to the Town for projects like the creation of Riverfront Park on the Musconetcong, where he later enjoyed taking walks with his family and adored dogs (Molly and Kona).

His career of serving the public concluded with the position of Deputy Surrogate for the Warren County Surrogate’s office, which he held from 2012-2024.

He also valued and loved his faith community at Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served on a number of ministry teams, including the Board of Trustees, Church School Ministry, and the Appalachian Service Project.

Tom was a proud graduate of the College of Wooster in Ohio (class of ‘81), where he met his beloved wife, Ginny, and studied geology - in that order. He completed his legal studies and earned his Juris Doctorate from Ohio Northern University (class of ‘84).

He was a lifelong baseball fan devoted to the New York Yankees. Tom was a voracious reader who enjoyed biographies, history, and any non-fiction that demonstrated the resilience of the human spirit throughout the world. In this vicarious way, he was able to fulfill his dream of more extensive travel. He particularly enjoyed trips to National Parks and historic sites throughout the years.

Tom’s favorite days often included planning some sort of outing or a sports activity (such as a hike, golfing, or coaching softball). Alternatively, he enjoyed days completing a household project, followed by a good book or movie and family dinner, preferably including ice cream for dessert. Ever the comedian, his days would often end with watching a late night comedy show.

Tom died at home surrounded by family following 2.5 courageous years with esophageal cancer.

Tom is survived by his wife, Ginny (Virginia L. Shew) Thorp, his soulmate and best friend with whom he spent 43 wonderful years of marriage. He is also survived by his daughter Katie Thorp, his daughter Taylor Thorp, her husband Ryan Kish, and his granddaughter, Nyla Thorp Kish. Welcoming Nyla into the family and being a doting grandfather was a source of constant joy for Tom.

Tom also leaves behind much loved relatives that include his mother, Suzanne Thorp of New Jersey, his sister Laura Thorp Katz of Boston and her husband Joel, his brother Andrew Thorp of St. Louis and his wife Lisa, along with six nieces and nephews (Daniel Katz, Julianna Katz, Jeremy Katz, Adam Thorp, Brian Thorp, and Grace Thorp).

A gathering remembering and celebrating Tom’s life will be held in Hackettstown, the place of his roots, at a future date to be determined. Arrangements handled by the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227. Donations in Tom's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or Trinity United Methodist Church in Hackettstown.

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Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Kathleen Downey planted 5 trees in memory of Thomas K. "Tom" Thorp . - July 15, 2025

Condolences

  • July 13, 2025

    Paul & Robin Wallace

    Dear Thorp Family My Wife Robin and I were stunned to hear of Tom's passing, we saw him the week before you moved, and in his caring way asked about us, telling of your plans, and never once letting on that He was ill. Tom has been missed, and a Grateful town has lowered their Flags to Half Staff, rightly in His honor. I know our heartache, pales in comparison to that you all are going through, and though in Christ we truly know Tom is in Jesus presence, the true sting of this temporary earthly separation is still real. We can only pray our FATHER in Heaven comfort you all in this time of mourning. GOD Bless you all In Christ Alone Reverend Paul & Robin Wallace

  • July 13, 2025

    Julie and Keith Ryan

    Julie and I have known Tom and Ginny for 30 years, as residents of the Hackettstown area and members of Trinity United Methodist Church, where we raised our children. The Thorps served their community in every possible aspect of their lives. and cultivated countless friends in the process. We were sad to see them leave Hackettstown, but happy that they were moving close to family and their grandchild. When we saw Tom and Ginny listed in the prayer concerns section of the weekly bulletin, we assumed it was in support of their new life journey. We were both shocked when we heard of Tom's passing, as we sadly realized why he and Ginny were listed in the bulletin. We missed them enough in our naivete. There are no words to express our sadness upon hearing of Tom's passing. He is most certainly with God in heaven now. Via Con Dios, dear friend. Thank you Ginny and family for sharing him with us. He will always be with us in our hearts.

  • July 13, 2025

    Mary Ann & Bob Moore

    Our sympathy to you all. We were sad to hear of Tom's passing. We have known Tom and the rest of you for a long time. It doesn't seem possible that he is no longer with us. May your memories and the love you share sustain you during these difficult time. May he rest in peace. Mary Ann and Bob Moore

  • July 12, 2025

    Timothy Bryk

    Me deepest condolences for your loss. I was a friend of his in high school and he was a great guy. Timothy Bryk

  • July 12, 2025

    Mary Levy

    My deepest sympathies to the Thorp family. Tom was a wonderful neighbor and such a kind person. Rest in peace Tom.

  • July 11, 2025

    AnnMarie Munniksma

    I worked for Tom's Dad in the 70's, I became very close to the family and still keep in touch with his mother. I am very sorry to hear of Toms passing. Please send my condolences to his mother. Ann Marie Munniksma