Obituaries/Roy Thorpe, Jr.

Roy Thorpe, Jr.

May 18, 1946
August 11, 2019
Age 73
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Life story

" On Sunday, August 11, 2019, Roy Byron Thorpe, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Culpeper, Virginia at the age of 73. A loving husband and father, Roy was born on May 18, 1946 to Roy Sr. and Gertrude Dietz Thorpe. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen O’Donnell Thorpe, daughters Jennifer and Laura, son George, sisters Barbara and Bettie, and six grandchildren. Roy and Karen became best friends at age 13 in Long Island, New York. They married in 1968 and celebrated their golden 50th anniversary in 2018. A graduate of Wesleyan University and Washington & Lee Law School, Roy specialized in local government law for over 30 years in Virginia, serving as the City Attorney and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Bedford, County Attorney in Montgomery and Culpeper Counties and City Attorney of Falls Church. He also served as President of the Virginia Local Government Attorneys’ Association.

From an early age, Roy enjoyed sailing and traveling, traits that he inherited from his father, Roy Sr. who worked for SAS airlines. Roy sailed Smith Mountain Lake, the Chesapeake Bay and the British Virgin Islands with his co-captain Karen. His mother, Gertrude gifted him with an analytical mind and strong ethical code, which guided him professionally and personally. He served his country in the Virginia National Guard in Lynchburg. He played lacrosse at Manhasset High School, NY, and at Wesleyan University. Roy also helped coach the Virginia Tech lacrosse team, and locally at Epiphany Catholic School in Culpeper. An Eagle Scout, Roy loved the outdoors, animals and nature. After he retired, Roy relished woodworking in his workshop (a.k.a. “Daddy Daycare”), creating wooden bowls, bluebird houses and furniture for family and friends. With a deadpan, dry wit, Roy appreciated bad puns and “Dad jokes.” He will be forever missed and remembered with love.

In lieu of a funeral, his family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to local charities are appreciated.
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Tribute Wall

He was a wonderful and devoted father. He was the type of guy that would stop by the fast-food drive-thru to get his dog a sandwich. If I dropped a carton of eggs, then he would make “egg pizza”. I liked hearing him retelling historical stories and pondering about politics. He loved to wash my car. If the house smelled like Liquid Gold Wood Cleaner, then I knew my dad was around. He will be missed.
- Laura - Robinson

Roy came to the open house at Epiphany Catholic Middle School and decided that he would like to volunteer as a LAX coach for the fledgling boys LAX team. He was truly special. For 3 years he dedicated his life to helping nurture the young men at Epiphany and you knew he was special. What a wonderful legacy knowing you helped other young people to achieve success in a sport you loved so dearly. God will have a LAX team.
- Frank - Passarelli

Dad, I'm so grateful that you were my father. I have so many wonderful memories of spending time with you, including boating on Smith Mountain Lake, riding horses (especially your encouragement to get back up when I fell off), snorkeling, canoeing and woodworking. I will love and miss you always and forever. Love, Jennifer
- Jennifer - Thorpe

I was very saddened to read of Roy’s passing in the bar association magazine. We were best friends in law school and thereafter but lost contact when he left the Blacksburg area. My sympathy to Karen and the family. Roy was a great lawyer and a great pers
- Hon. Gene A. Woolard