Obituary of Owen G. Thorp Jr.

Owen G. Thorp, Jr., age 89, died peacefully at home in Chester, Maryland on December 12, 2015. Owen was born in Plainfield, NJ on April 28, 1926 to Lillian and Owen G. Thorp, Sr. He graduated from North Plainfield High School and in 1944; he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served honorably in World War II, as a Third Class Petty Officer. Owen resided in Warren for 76 years, where he was a local business owner, first of Thorp's Valley Market and later, Thorp's Liquors. He was an honorary member of the Washington Valley Fire Dept. and a member of the Warren B.P.O.E. Anyone who knew Owen will remember him for his friendly disposition and his unique sense of humor. He was never too busy for a kind word or to make someone smile. He was a loving husband and father who worked hard all his life and rarely took time off. He was an avid trout fisherman in his early years and later enjoyed salt water fishing in Barnegat Bay. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially following his grandchildren's activities in sports, academics and the arts. After retiring, Owen moved to Kent Island, Maryland, where he enjoyed crabbing, fishing and beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay. Owen was preceded in death by his wife, Alyce, and his sister, Elizabeth. He is survived by his son Capt. Owen G. Thorp, III and his wife, Kathy of Annapolis, MD; daughter Amanda Strigl of Princeton and son, Gary Thorp of Basking Ridge, NJ; his seven grandchildren: Regina, Andrew, Lauren, Matthew Thorp and Jenna, Casey, Chelsea Henderson; and his great grandchildren Madeline and Michael Thorp. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 18, 2015, from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 19th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mount Chapel, Warren. Entombment will follow at St. Mary's Stony Hill Cemetery, Watchung.