George Irvin Thornberry

George Irvin Thornberry

george thornberry

October 20, 1925 ~ January 3, 2015

Services: A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 2:30 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel Leonardtown, MD. Interment will be private. Visitation: The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, 2015 from 1:30 PM- 2:30 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. George I. Thornberry, 89, Piney Point, MD formerly of Glenn Dale, MD died January 3, 2015 at the Gilchrist Hospice in Columbia, MD. Born October 20, 1925 in Washington, DC he was the son of the late Henry and Nelly Thornberry. He was the beloved husband of the late Margaret “Peggy” Thornberry whom he married on December 22, 1947 in Parkland, MD. He is survived by his children: Richard Thornberry of Napa, CA, Brenda Page of Glenn Dale, MD, Jeanne Halpin of Trappe, MD, and George Thornberry, Jr. of Davidsonville, MD; 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his brothers: Henry (Juney) Thornberry, Jr., Robert (Bob) Thornberry and Joseph (Joe) Thornberry, and sister Barbara Thornberry. Mr. Thornberry moved to Piney Point from Glenn Dale, MD in 1973 after retiring with the rank of Lieutenant from the Prince Georges County, MD Police Department where he served for 22 years. After moving to Piney Point, he worked as a school bus driver for the St. Mary’s County School Board and then as a bus driver/chauffer for the Patuxent Naval Air Station. Mr. Thornberry served in the U.S. Navy for more than 4 years during WWII after he enlisted at the age of 17 and was part of the crew of the Destroyer Escort U.S.S. Atherton DE-169 during the D-Day invasion of Normandie, France and when his ship sank the last German submarine U-853 of the war with Germany during the Battle of Point Judith in Long Island Sound on May 6, 1945. After the war he was a volunteer fireman with the Glenn Dale Volunteer Fire Association (Company 18) in Glenn Dale, MD. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 66 in Bowie, MD; Past President of the Suburban Lions Club, Glenn Dale, MD; and past Post Commander of the VFW Post 2632, California, MD. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, 2015 from 1:30 PM -2:30 PM. in the Mattingley – Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD where a memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions be made in the name of George I. Thornberry to one or more of the following: Gilchrist Hospice Care 5537 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 434 Columbia, MD. 21045, Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad – St. Mary’s County P.O. Box 1 Valley Lee, MD. 20692, and Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2632 23282 Three Notch Road. California, MD. 20619.

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  1. “George was my neighbor for many years up to two and half years ago when I moved from the neighborhood. George was a very private person but always friendly to me when I would take my dog for a walk past his home, I used to go down and see his wife Peggy often when she was sick, George was a good husband and caregiver to Peggy and always had a good word to say about his friends. It is with a saddened heart to know that he is no longer around but he is with the Lord now. My heart goes out to his family during this time of sadness and loss. May he rest in peace and may God bless each one of you especially at this time. “

  2. “Mr George was like family. All the times of cookouts, steamed crabs.. and good laughs. Great times around the neighborhood. Just wont be the same without him. Miss his evening calls to my dad. Just will seem empty.. he lived a great life. Our hearts go out to the family during this difficult time. He will be missed.”

  3. “George lead a great life. He is going to be missed. Now the neighborhood won’t seem the same without him. It was a pleasure to have known him and your mom, Peggy, too. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult loss. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you in this trying time. “

  4. “During my 10 years I was postmaster at Piney Point Post Office, George was a friend and customer who always made sure my Roses were trimmed at the right time of year and would bring me beautiful flowers in the Spring to decorate the office. We had many conversations. I am sorry to not be able to attend his service as my mother in laws funerals is the same day in Silver Spring. “

  5. “Heartfelt blessings for George and his family from the Floyd Thompson family. May he RIP with the Lord. Timmy Bennett”

  6. 1st Lt. Stephen Joy #980 says:

    “Thank-you for your brave service to the United States and the citizens of Prince George’s County, Maryland.”

  7. “I was extremely saddened to hear of the loss of such a great man. He always made us laugh, and I still have fond memories of him when I knew him then. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. I know they will miss their “head of the household.” He leaves behind a gift of great stories and memories.”

  8. “Richard, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I lost my father so I know what you can be going through. Sending lot of love and hugs your way.”

  9. “Don and I were very sorry to learn of the passing of your loved one. We have both lost our fathers and can truly empathize with you at this sad time. We both pray your good memories will bring you comfort. Love, Don and Carole”

  10. “I last talked to Uncle George on dads birthday Dec.22 we talked for about 20 min. I will remember our talk for a long time to come. Richard, Brenda, Jeanne, and George, I’m sorry I can’t be there with you. I will never forget Uncle George he was the only one that ever called me Jose when I was a young boy. I use to love hearing all the story about them being police office it was life learning lessons to me. He will be missed. “

  11. “I am saddened at the death of GI as I knew and admired him since 1962. Not only were he and Joe fine police officers, but both heroes to me as WWII veterans. Another of the greatest generation gone to his eternal reward. God bless him!”

  12. “Brenda I am so sorry to hear about your father. He was a good man and still a legend at the Police Department.May he rest in Peace.”


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george thornberry

October 20, 1925 ~ January 3, 2015

George Thornberry Obituary Birth: 1925 – 10 – 20 in Washington, DC Residence: Piney Point, MD. Death: Saturday, January 3, 2015 George I. Thornberry, 89, Piney Point, MD formerly of Glenn Dale, MD died January 3, 2015 at the Gilchrist Hospice in Columbia, MD. Born October 20, 1925 in Washington, DC he was the son of the late Henry and Nelly Thornberry. He was the beloved husband of the late Margaret “Peggy” Thornberry whom he married on December 22, 1947 in Parkland, MD. He is survived by his children: Richard Thornberry of Napa, CA, Brenda Page of Glenn Dale, MD, Jeanne Halpin of Trappe, MD, and George Thornberry, Jr. of Davidsonville, MD; 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his brothers: Henry (Juney) Thornberry, Jr., Robert (Bob) Thornberry and Joseph (Joe) Thornberry, and sister Barbara Thornberry. Mr. Thornberry moved to Piney Point from Glenn Dale, MD in 1973 after retiring with the rank of Lieutenant from the Prince Georges County, MD Police Department where he served for 22 years. After moving to Piney Point, he worked as a school bus driver for the St. Mary’s County School Board and then as a bus driver/chauffer for the Patuxent Naval Air Station. Mr. Thornberry served in the U.S. Navy for more than 4 years during WWII after he enlisted at the age of 17 and was part of the crew of the Destroyer Escort U.S.S. Atherton DE-169 during the D-Day invasion of Normandie, France and when his ship sank the last German submarine U-853 of the war with Germany during the Battle of Point Judith in Long Island Sound on May 6, 1945. After the war he was a volunteer fireman with the Glenn Dale Volunteer Fire Association (Company 18) in Glenn Dale, MD. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 66 in Bowie, MD; Past President of the Suburban Lions Club, Glenn Dale, MD; and past Post Commander of the VFW Post 2632, California, MD. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, 2015 from 1:30 PM -2:30 PM. in the Mattingley – Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD where a memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions be made in the name of George I. Thornberry to one or more of the following: Gilchrist Hospice Care 5537 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 434 Columbia, MD. 21045, Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad – St. Mary’s County P.O. Box 1 Valley Lee, MD. 20692, and Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2632 23282 Three Notch Road. California, MD. 20619.

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