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Benjamin Kern posted a condolence
Thursday, January 19, 2023
We will miss all the great conversations and laughs at LBI. RIP Uncle Gary. We love you and miss you.
-Ben, Christy and Isla Kern
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jeff b posted a condolence
Thursday, January 12, 2023
I heard of Gary's passing today at St James morning mass where I met Gary and can’t begin to express my deepest feelings of love and support to the entire Thorpe family.
He was always an upstanding gentleman and giving person, filled with passion and excitement for life. He will be greatly missed.
I pray your family is gifted with the presence of the Holy Spirit to help you through this difficult time. May the Lord Jesus, our God , greet Gary with a smile and open arms at the Heavenly Banquet and send Peace to all of his family , friends , and loved ones in knowing he is eternally happy now and forever.
May the Peace of Christ’s resurrection and the Gift of Salvation be with you all,
Jeff
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Jody D'Agostini posted a condolence
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Gary, you will be sorely missed. Known you for so many years at the Y and St James. What a great, humble man. Truly an angel. Just heard tonight a church. So sorry to miss your mass. Sending blessings. Jody D'Agostini
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Anna Kita uploaded photo(s)
Friday, January 6, 2023
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Dear Garba, (that's how I used to call Gary)
My anchor, my protector, my best friend, my teacher ..... Who I am today is because of You!
You have given me all of your purest soul to teach me how to become a Woman I am today.
My heart is bleeding! Half of You will always be inside of me, now it's my time to spread all of your wisdom to the world and be live testimony of You.
Garba, Thank You!
I will always keep on singing up to the heaven!
With love,
Anna (Ankba)
My deepest condolences to Gary's family
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Toni Lozzi posted a condolence
Friday, January 6, 2023
Sending my deepest condolences to Gary's family. I met Gary five years ago when I moved downstairs from him. He was a wonderful neighbor and soon became my friend. He was always there to lend a hand. More than that, he was so easy to talk to and I was always so happy to see with him. He was so kind and considerate, smart and funny. I will truly miss him. May he rest in peace.
Toni Lozzi
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Kasia lit a candle
Thursday, January 5, 2023
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My deepest sympathies to Gary's family.
I am devastated by Gary's passing. We had a very special relation, I knew him for 16 years. He was extremely supportive and made a huge impact on my life. Me, my mum and sister would visit him every summer since 2006. He would sing Spongebob theme songs with us, get the biggest IHOP pancake portions and Okie's California Club Sandwich... We would create our own words that were somehow a mix of Polish and English and we would incorporate it to our talks for all those years. He polished my swimming and made me overcome a fear of flip-turns. We had a tradition of "reporting" about ocean water conditions (especially seaweed and stingrays that I was skeptical of). When he got a house on LBI, we reorganised and repaired things together, also were the best cleaning buddies after the rentals. We would spend many hours on the phone discussing life decisions or even "teenage-dramas", and when I got to Uni he would be there for me during harder times. He was a very humble person and I was shocked to discover his many talents. Gary was a person who all needs as a friend: patient, listening, always motivating and supporting in need. I will greatly miss him, but I will spread my memory of him and he will always stay in my heart and prayers. Thank you for being in my life.
Sending love (from Poland & Switzerland),
Kasia.
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Dan posted a condolence
Thursday, January 5, 2023
My deepest condolences to the Thorp Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this trying time.
Gary and I hit it off immediately after crossing paths at the Warren Racquet Club. For those who don't know, the gym at Warren Racquet Club is nearly empty all the time. Often times, Gary and I had the place to ourselves. Nearly every time I pulled into the gym, I would see Gary's blue truck. This was always a great feeling. I could hardly wait to get inside and talk to him about a myriad of topics and about life in general. He would always ask how I was doing, what was new, how work was going, etc. It quickly became apparent that this was the type of person Gary was - always putting others before himself. I will forever cherish the laughs we shared and the lessons I've learned from him.
The gym will not be the same without you, my friend. Rest in peace.
-Dan
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agata posted a condolence
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Dear Gary’s family, It is hard to lose someone who meant so much to me and the girls. It is also hard that we cannot be there to say good-bye.We will always keep Gary in our hearts and hold on to the amazing times we had together. There will be Masses offered for Gary’s soul in Poland, the closest one on Friday at 3p.m and Tuesday 6p.m.God bless you and comfort you.
Agata with Kasia and Ania
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Stephen Long posted a condolence
Thursday, January 5, 2023
To Mandy's and Owen's families. When I met Gary at WHRHS I hoped that we would become friends. I immediately saw Gary was a person of incredibly strong character. Through the years he showed his kindness, intelligence, loyalty, humility, and compassion.
I loved, admired, and respected Gary Thorp. At all times he was professional, fun to be around, and completely trustworthy. As we got older we shared the same interests in coaching and service academy athletics. Some of my best memories are the 78 Army/Navy game, which Gary invited me to along with summer nights on Thorp’s Porch with Joe Rebholz.
Gary and I exchanged texts last month during the Army/Navy game and we both recalled the 78 game. Neither of us could recall the score or even who won but we remembered how strong our friendship is. I’ll be forever grateful for that text exchange. It reminded me that Gary was and will always be a person of strong character.
Life is short and getting shorter. Tell people you care about what they mean to you. Thank you Gary for your friendship. You made me a better person.
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joan brett posted a condolence
Thursday, January 5, 2023
To Mandy & all of Gary's loved ones - I have lost a very good neighbor and chit-chat friend of more than 30 years. I knew something was wrong when Gary's blue truck hadn't moved in front of his garage. Being an early riser myself, I'd often hear Gary's door close or his foot steps before sun up as Gary left to go to daily mass at St. James. Something I learned recently is Gary carried and said the rosary on his walks through Spring Ridge. Knowing Gary's decency and devoutness I wasn't surprise and didn't pursue it; but now I wonder is if he knew something that I or others did not. One couldn't ask for a better neighbor; fun and positive to talk with, always showing interest in the other person, dependable and offering to help if needed. I will truly miss my long time neighbor. My heart felt condolences to all his family and friends who knew him as a caring and giving person. With deepest sympathy - Joan Brett
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Dave (Motts) Molinaro posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Dear Mandy and Owen families. I am so, so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. We have been friends for over 40 years. We spent many hours together bounding over working in a family business, down the shore, following our favorite southern rock band around NJ or drinking beer at the local bar. We had so many good time and laughs. Whenever we got together or talked it inevitable wind up with reminiscing about the old days and Gary would make me laugh so hard it would bring me to tears. Once again buddy you have brought me to tears. I’ll miss you. Won’t you fly high, free bird.
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Adam J. Wilson posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Sending heartfelt condolences to Gary’s entire family during this very difficult time. I knew Gary from the Warren Racquet Club and saw him there very frequently. We used to talk often about growing up in Warren and shared stories of local landmarks and history. Totally shocked to hear of his passing - I just saw him not long ago at the gym, and he was telling me how he was excited to cook for his family over the holidays. I will definitely remember him as a great guy who always had a smile and a kind word to offer. Keeping the Thorp family in my thoughts - Rest in peace, Gary.
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Laurie Slotnick posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Heartfelt condolences to Mandy, my friend from long ago. So very sorry for both your brothers and their families. Peace to you all.
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The family of Gary William Thorp uploaded a photo
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
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Chris Oelz posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Gary was a great, steady friend who always listened and was very deliberate and positive with his support.
I lived in the same condo complex as Gary and we also spent time at Warren racquets working out.
He had many better friends than me at the gym and was very diverse in his relationships. Disbelief is the word I would use after relaying news about Gary.
He loved his family and holidays in Princeton.
His smile beamed after getting home after a trip to S Carolins to visit Kathy and his 3 nieces.
He was always supportive and positive in our relationship. Very faithful to God.
An all American man and family man. Steady as a rock, with a great sense of humor.
I will always miss him.
Chris Oelz
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Lisa Kirkwood posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Dear Mandy, sending all my love to you . Gary was the kindest, most caring , devoted , loyal friend … I know I speak for all The Truglios… he was family to us and our hearts are broken with yours. May God Bless you and comfort you with Gary’s love and the special bond you share always.
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Erin Mansukani posted a condolence
Monday, January 2, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was an amazing coach and human being. We stayed in touch but spoke more frequently as my girls got more involved with swimming. He would come to watch them swim, give them feedback and even gave one an appropriate nickname of “Big Gulp”, It gives me such joy that my children could experience even if just a little of his coaching. I will miss him tremendously.
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Chris Golden posted a condolence
Monday, January 2, 2023
I am so sad to hear of your loss. I knew Gary through his work in water treatment and enjoyed every interaction with him. He was very kind and loyal. My condolences to his family.
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John Carter posted a condolence
Monday, January 2, 2023
So sorry and shocked to see this. Gary was my next door neighbor for several years and kept in touch at the Racquets Club. Will miss our discussions and all the Warren stories shared - truly a great guy. He loved talking about LBI, football and especially his time spent being an
Uncle. My condolences to Gary’s family and friends.
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Andrea Fisher posted a condolence
Monday, January 2, 2023
My condolences to Gary’s family. He was the most influential person in my life outside of my own father. I can’t explain the important role he had in me being the best person I could be. I loved him and will miss him deeply.
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Arnold Stul - Basking Ridge posted a condolence
Monday, January 2, 2023
May the coming days be at peace for the entire Thrope family,
And his memory be long lasting
From your Basking ridge ranger fans
May every win be in your honor and we always shall be reminded of your memory!!!
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Randolph Foster lit a candle
Monday, January 2, 2023
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My sincerest condolences. Gary and I went to school together. We conversed many times over the coarse of the years when I was on a job site. Gary did not have a bad bone in his body. Rest easy Gary. You truly remain a beacon of light for all of us.
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Robert A. Smith posted a condolence
Monday, January 2, 2023
I am shocked of Gary passing, we spoke a few months ago. I’ve known the whole family for over fifty years, they were all wonderful respected members of the community.
God Bless the family, Gary will be truly missed, RIP
Bob
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John Keim posted a condolence
Monday, January 2, 2023
Mandy and all Gary’s nieces and nephews, my sincere condolences. This is a grave cosmic injustice. Too young. Swimming with Gary at WHRHS and being co-captain with him during our undefeated senior season was a rare privilege. Gary was kind and inciteful. Always inspiring. And a really, really nice person. The world is less good without him and eternity is a better place.
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Mary Hassett lit a candle
Monday, January 2, 2023
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Gary coached my son many years ago at Somerset Hills Y . Many of the swimmers made Nationals . He was a great coach and wonderful and kind human being. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Gary. You will be in the Hassett family prayers
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Steven M. Howard posted a condolence
Monday, January 2, 2023
Amanda, Kathy, and Family - saddened to learn of Gary's passing. Music connected our families; we shared so many fun times in the WHRHS band - and Gary was a bright, smiling member of our Trombone section. May Gary's memory forever be a source of comfort and blessings to all who knew and loved him.
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Bill and Marie Manley lit a candle
Monday, January 2, 2023
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Words cannot express the depth of our sympathy to the entire Thorp family. .
Yes, the world was a better place because Gary was part of it.
We light a candle to bring peace to the soul of Gary remembering his kindness,
generosity, and warmth.
We pray for all of you that the Holy Spirit comes into your life during this time to
help with your grief.
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Russ Schumacher posted a condolence
Monday, January 2, 2023
Amanda and Family, I knew Gary since freshman year at WHRHS. I immediately thought of him as a great guy, always friendly. I was a Watchung guy and was slow to make friends from the other towns. Gary always had a good word and made my freshman year better. He was well-liked by all who knew him. Through the years, I was in touch with Gary through reunions and once enjoyed a tennis match with him. I admired Gary for his decades of coaching swimmers at the Y. A number of months ago, I was leaving a funeral service for a classmate, getting into my car, and I heard my name called out. It was Gary. I had not seen him at the service and was so glad he made the effort to catch me. We had a great conversation. I know he truly valued being an uncle to all the nieces and nephews. Almost everyone from high school has the same words to describe Gary: “He was a great guy.”
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Scott & Nancy Brady lit a candle
Sunday, January 1, 2023
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Amanda,
Nancy and I are very sorry for your tremendous loss of your youngest brother Gary. Please know that God will console you during this difficult time. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Love, Scott and Nancy Brady
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Victoria & Field lit a candle
Sunday, January 1, 2023
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It's January 1st - we are in shock - Field (Winslow) just spoke with him Thursday - How can this be?!
Gary you were such a Bright light in this world - your absence leaves a void.
You were kind, caring and Generous in so many ways and on so many levels.
We all would like more time with you. You will never be forgotten. Victoria & Field
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Jeff Kyger Posted Jan 2, 2023 at 11:06 AM
While I considered Gary and I good friends in high school, he was just one of those guys I wished....even back then...that I was even better friends with than I actually was.. Cheers, my friend....Rest well as you'll always remain in everyone's memory. Always. Jeff
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