Gary L. Thorpe

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.