Herbert Blake Thorpe Sr.

Herbert Blake Thorpe, Sr., 96, WWII Veteran and Ass’t Fire Chief

Herbert Blake Thorpe, aka Mick, Sr., 96, formerly of Marlboro, MA, passed away at his home in Manchester, NH, surrounded by his family. 

He was married in 1946 to Helen McDonough, and resided on West Hill Rd in Marlboro until her passing, when he moved to Manchester, NH to live with his family.  He leaves a son, H. Blake Thorpe, Jr., a daughter, Jeannemarie Thorpe, and a son-in-law George F. Piehl, all of Manchester, NH.  He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Thorpe was born in Ross Corners, Nova Scotia in 1920.  He emigrated from Canada to the US in 1925 with his family, and was naturalized in 1943 while serving in the US Army. During his service in WWII, he received a commendation for his work in the Philippines.

Thorpe became a Firefighter in Marlboro, MA in 1956, and became Assistant Chief of the Marlboro Fire Department in 1979.   He retired in 1982. He was among the first instructors at the Massachusetts State Fire Academy in Stow in the 1960’s.  He also worked for Town Paint in the 1950’s and Gaynor Electric in the 1960’s. 

He was a 1938 graduate of Hudson High School, and studied Fire Science at Quinsigamond Community College.

He was well known in his Manchester Bridge Street neighborhood for his treks in his scooter chair, and his beautiful flowers in his garden. 

His funeral will be held on Tuesday April 25 at 11:00 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect St. Marlborough.  Burial, with military honors, will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson St. Marlborough.  Visiting hours at the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com) 95 West Main St. Marlborough, will be held on Monday evening from 5-8 p.m.

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