Samuel James “Sam” Thorpe III
April 20, 1952 - April 26, 2023
Samuel James “Sam” Thorpe III, age 71, of Bear, DE, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.
Born in Wilmington, DE on April 20, 1952, he was the son of the late Samuel James, Jr. and Jessie (Price) Thorpe. Sam worked as a pipe fitter for Local 74 until his retirement in 2017.
Sam’s greatest passion was fishing. He loved to go down to Ocean City, MD and fish the tournaments during the summer. Sam made many friends by walking and talking up and down the docks. He was known for putting his “2 cents in”, whether you took it or not is a different story. In his spare time, Sam enjoyed cooking. He would always make enough to invite family and friends over. Sam enjoyed hunting with his son and friends from the neighborhood. He always loved horses and even raced a few at several tracks in the area. Sam was an active member and President of the Sons of AMVETS, Post 2 in Long Neck, DE. He was a man with a big heart and will be dearly missed.
In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by his sister, Denise Holmes. He is survived by his wife, Patricia “Patty” (Steenvoorden) Thorpe; children, Sam Thorpe IV (Destinee) and Sara Thorpe; grandchildren, Saylor Thorpe and Krue Thorpe (soon to arrive); sister, Deidre Addo; nephews, Kamal Addo and Danny Meadows (Keri); and cousin, Gary Price (Lanny) of Virginia.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
Ada Dryden
Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to Patty and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I like many others shared alot of wonderful and funny memories with him of which i’m thankful for. Sam was definitely one of a kind. Sam pretended to be hard on the exterior but he had a heart of gold always there to help anyone in need. Going to miss you Sam. RIP MY FRIEND LOVE YOU! Ada
Gaye Schaum
Patty, Sammy, Sara and family; our hearts are broken. Mike and I have so many memories of Sam and Leisure Point. Just thinking of them just makes us laugh and smile. Patty, the look on your face sometimes was classic with Sam and his stories. They will never be forgotten. We will always hold a special place in our hearts for all of you. Sam was definitely a good soul. He would give anyone the shirt off his back even if it was his last one. He was “The King”. We are going to miss you Sam, with love. Rest in Peace. Mike and Gaye
Bob Osborne
I met Sam about 20 years ago when my son and I wanted to fish the WMO. Heard he had an open spot. After talking to him on the phone I thought wow, this guy is tough. Ended up fishing many tournaments together and became great friends with the entire family. Sam was a legend and we will miss him very much but will think of him every time we’re on the water.
Dave & Eileen Pierson
Dear Patty and family, our hearts go out to you at this very sorrowful time. Sam was most definitely a very unique person who comes to mind easily at just the mention of his name. I will always remember the twinkle in his eyes every time I asked him about the kids. You could tell how very proud of them he was in telling me about them. His spirit will always shine bright in all of you who loved him and shared in his life . With Our Sincere Sympathy, Eileen & Dave Pierson
Cathy Patrie
God bless Patty! He will surely be missed. Love to all your family. He was a character and we could always count on him. Cathy & Dave
Brad Derby
The neighborhood just found out. We would not have the big dog Three without Sam and Family. RIP with Woody.
Brad and Barbara Derby
chuck moore
worked with Sam in Virginia in the late 80’s and early 90’s. lost touch over the years but Sam was a great guy. he would tell stories and i would laugh until my sides and cheeks were sore.