IN MEMORIAM: S. Richard Thorn, 93;

WWII Veteran Was Avid Golfer Locally

ONEONTA – S. Richard Thorn, 93, a World War II veteran and avid golfer who hit three holes in one in 40 years playing the game and won a local championship, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017 at Fox Nursing Home.

He was born on May 19, 1924, in Westford, the son of Kent and Carolyn (Roberts) Thorn. He married Doris Ketchum in 1955. She predeceased him on June 6, 2001.

A 1941 graduate of Schenevus Central School, Richard grew up in Westford and Milford. He attended Albany Business School.

A veteran of the Navy, Richard served during World War II.

He was employed at Bendix in Sidney and later retired from SUNY Oneonta in the maintenance department.  At one time he was a volunteer fireman for the city of Oneonta.

Richard loved all sports and was a part of the inaugural Milford Macs. He was an avid Oneonta Yankees and Tigers fan. His best sport was golf, having played for 40 years and achieving three holes in one. He was a member at Woodhaven where he and his son Doug won the 1987 Member-Guest Tournament.

He was a member of the Peaceful Flats Community in Oneonta, spent 2 ½ years at Hampshire House, and lately resided at Fox Nursing Home.

He is survived by three children, Sharon Cottle of Oneonta, Delores (George) Smith, Town of Maryland, and Douglas (Jacqueline) Cottle of Norwich; siblings Don Thorn of Rochester, David Thorn of Cooperstown, and Joyce Hurley of Unadilla; as well as several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also predeceased by his parents and his brother, Dean Thorn.
Calling hours are noon-1 p.m . Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta, where a funeral service will take place immediately following at 1 pm, with Deacon Walter Petersen officiating.  Burial will take place in Milford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory are asked to be made to the American Heart Association , PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005.

Condolences to the family may be offered online by visiting www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.