Holliston-
Ernest H. Thorpe, 96, of Holliston, passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2012. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Effie (Cambell) and Ernest C. Thorpe. He was the husband of the late Leona (Howard) Thorpe who passed away in 1976.

A 1933 Framingham High graduate, Ernest went to UMass Amherst at Stockbridge Campus, studying Animal Husbandry. He graduated in 1936 and worked at Waveney Farm. He also worked at B & W Lines as a bus driver and eventually became Chief Dispatcher. When B & W transitioned to School Bus Rental Corp., he stayed on as purchasing agent and worked closely with the Wayne Corp., manufacturer and supplier of school buses. He also trained all of the drivers for various local towns.

Ernie was active in St. Mary’s Parish, attending Mass daily, and was involved in the Holliston Community. He worked the election polls for many years and also at the Holliston Senior Center for several years. Ernie was a terrific gardener and enjoyed sharing various fresh vegetables with friends and neighbors, but was especially known for his beautiful gladiolas. He loved the water and enjoyed taking a dip in the ocean no matter how cold the water was. He was an avid reader, a whiz at crossword puzzles, enjoyed playing cards, and Bocce at the Colombus Hall. He looked forward to faithful Saturday visits with his quadriplegic friend, David, and his mom and sister, and to Sunday morning pancakes at McDonalds and other visits with friends and neighbors. Family has always been very important to him and loved spending time with kids and grandkids.

Ernie was very grateful for the many friends and family who have called, come to visit or sent cards while at Timothy Daniels House; and for the staff who have been terrific in taking good care of him.

He is survived by his children, Frank Thorpe and his wife Jean of Texas, Walter Thorpe and his wife Sandra of Maine, Christine Beckley and her husband Vince of Michigan; and a sister, Mary Lewis of NY. He is blessed with 17 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and even a couple of great-great-grandchildren He is predeceased by his son, Eugene Thorpe and brothers, Vincent and Paul Thorpe.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 17, 2012 from 3-6p.m. with a wake prayer service at 5:30 pm at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church of Holliston on Saturday, August 18 at 9:00a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 8 Church St. Holliston, MA. 01746