Gary L. Thorpe
October 17, 1952 - June 28, 2026
Gary L. Thorpe, age 73, of Bear, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Born in Wilmington, DE on October 17, 1952, he was a son of the late Layton B. and Jean (Murray) Thorpe. Gary was a graduate of Christiana High School. He then served in the United States Air Force as well as the Air National Guard. Gary made his career at General Motors where he dedicated 30 years of service. After retiring from GM, he worked for NuCar.
Gary enjoyed spending his free time outdoors; spending countless hours working in his yard and watching the birds. He loved watching the Philadelphia Phillies ring the bell and never missed a NASCAR race. Gary always looked forward to his next cruise with his wife, Shirley. Gary also enjoyed watching his granddaughter Olivia ride in her horse shows.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Shirley J. (Bennett) Thorpe; children, Collette Jamarowicz (Ron), Tom Thomas (Joanne), Bill Thomas (Tracy), Lisa Gibason (Dave), and Bobby Thomas; brothers, Paul Thorpe (Joyce) and Jeff Thorpe (Natalie); 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and his beloved Doberman, Lola.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12:30 pm. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
Millie Hayes
May the love of family and friends help you in your time of loss. One of a kind and with a great sense of humor.
Cathy Stiles-DeNest
I’m so sorry for your loss. I haven’t seen Gary in years. My family lived on Browns Lane across the street from the Thorpe family. I have great memories playing horseshoes and playing tag altogether when it got dark. My deepest condolences to you and your family. We will be out of town and will miss the services. God Bless 🙏🥰
Susanoakman
Iam so sad of hearing of ur husband GARY God be with u and family
Eddie Flores
My friend it was a pleasure getting to know you. Thank you for all of your conversations. I enjoyed very much our time together at Nucar. Thank you for being my friend. My condolences to the Thorp family.
Jamie Kitts
Gary, your Nucar family will forever miss you.. I knew you for a short time but you made such a big impact on me. You always had the most infectious kindness! May your family find peace in knowing how you touched the lives of so many. Rest easy friend.
Judy Dobler
My sincere condolences to your family during this very difficult time. I pray that you find some peace from all the great memories that you shared with Gary. He was such a kind and funny man and I knew my Doberman puppy Lola was going to have a great life with him and Shirley. Lola adored him. May he rest in peace. He will be missed.
Anthony and Linda Suppe
Sorry for your loss, sending our sincere condolences.