Ronald Thorpe

Ronald Thorpe, transitioned to God on September 22, 2021. He expressed to his family that he was at peace, satisfied and ready to go; he had a wonderful life with his wife after recently celebrating 54 years of marriage in August 2021; felt really blessed to have a loving family and several devoted friends; and wanted his family to have a happy life until God calls them home to join him. Ronald was born in Brooklyn, New York, on September 13,1943, but raised in North Carolina with his parents, the late Olivia Tucker Thorpe McNair and Joseph Thorpe. Ronald graduated from Nash Central High School in Nashville, North Carolina, in May 1962. He graduated from Elizabeth City State University in May 1966, with a B.A. Degree in Business Education. Ronald took several graduate courses at Delaware State College, now known as Delaware State University and Delaware Technical and Community Colleges, where he received credits and certificates in Computer Technology. Upon receiving his Master’s Degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC, he was credited with a masters plus thirty standing. He transferred to Cambridge High School when integration began. Ronald married Mary in 1967 and continued teaching while Mary remained in college in North Carolina. Ronald brought Mary to Cambridge after she finished college and they both worked in the school system. In 1976, he moved to Cambridge South Dorchester High, where he became one of the first to teach computer science in the high schools of Dorchester County. Ronald was happy to see many of his students after they graduated, as they often referred to him as one of their favorite teachers. They spoke of him being a serious teacher and talked about some jobs they received because of their computer training. He often encouraged students to work to their fullest potential. Ronald retired from teaching in January 2001. After retiring, he began a second career at Delmarva Community Services, Inc. His initial job dealt with computer technology. He taught computer basics to seniors at DCS through the Chesapeake Community College Continuing Education Program. He enjoyed working with seniors because they were eager to learn. Ronald later became Manager of the Vocational Program at DCS where he worked until 2010. In the early 1970’s, Ronald and Mary joined Waugh Chapel United Methodist Church, where they raised their children. Both immediately began working by joining the choir and Ronald served on the Trustee Board and volunteered wherever there was a need. He especially enjoyed working with the Food Pantry and the video & sound system. Ronald enjoyed traveling, mainly in the United States, as he loved to drive. In early years he drove with friends to California, Florida, Colorado and other states. Later, he and Mary flew to California, Florida, Nevada and other areas. They went on several cruises to the Bahamas. Ronald was a member of the NAACP and in 1976, he became a member of the Masonic Lodge of Maryland. He was active in the Masonic organization for several years. Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary; daughter, Beverly Thorpe Foster (Isaac); son, Ronald L. Thorpe (Candice); step grandson, Raekwon Henneghen; granddaughters, Ashley Adams (Sherrod), Raven Thorpe Whitfield, Kamaryn Thorpe and Selena Thorpe; step granddaughters, Valerie Jackson and children; and great-grandchildren, Noah, Ar’Marie and Joe-Kobe. Other surviving members are, a special cousin, Garland Arrington, with whom he grew up; and several other cousins and friends. He was especially close to Mary’s nephew, Theodore Cooper (Joyce).

Ronald Thorpe

September 13, 1943 - September 22, 2021