With sadness we report the death of the Rev. Jack H. Thorn, 83, retired priest of our diocese. He died Sunday, April 7, 2013 in St. Clare's Hospital in Denville with his family at his side.
Jack was ordained in 1955 by the Rt. Rev. Horace W. B. Donegan in the Diocese of New York. Much of his ministry was at St. John's Church in Boonton, where he served as Rector from 1963-1996 -- the longest-serving Rector in the history of St. John's. Afterwards he remained active in ministry as Priest Associate at St. Paul's Church in Morris Plains, NJ and as long-term supply priest at St. Paul's Church in North Arlington.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Charlotte Hanford Thorn, a son Peter Thorn, a sister Charlotte Cornyea and brother Donald Thorn; also many close friends, including Maryann Dawson.
He is survived by his devoted children John (Diana) Thorn of Portland, PA, Lisa (Michael Hanna) Thorn, MD of Averill Park, NY and Joanne Thorn of Clinton, NJ; loving daughter-in-law Kari Thorn of Andover, NJ; a dear sister Shirley Lucas and brother Gordon Thorn; and seven wonderful granddaughters. Jack also leaves behind his dear friend Hugo Almendares and Mittens his cat.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at St. Clare's Hospital for their compassionate care.
Visitation with the family will be Friday, April 12 from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. at the Codey & Mackey Funeral Home, 107 Essex Ave. in Boonton, and Saturday, April 13 from 12 - 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Church, 51 Mountain Way in Morris Plains.
Bishop Mark Beckwith will preside at a Burial Office with Holy Eucharist on Saturday, April 13, 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Church, 51 Mountain Way in Morris Plains. Clergy are invited to vest (white stoles) and process. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in Jack Thorn's memory to St. Clare's Hospital Foundation, 140 Diamond Spring Road, Denville, NJ 07834 or to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 104, Morris Plains, NJ 07950.
Good and gracious God, the light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, you sent your servant Jack to be a priest in your Church to feed your sheep with your word and to guide them by his example; give us the grace to keep the faith he taught and to follow in his footsteps. We entrust him into your unfailing mystery of Love and Hope through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
