Leroy Joseph Thorpe

Leroy Joseph Thorpe, 72, of Meredith, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Lakes Region General Hospital, in Laconia, surrounded by his loving family after a lenghty illness.Leroy was born June 2, 1937, in Somerville, MA, the son of Leforest E. and Frances H. (Rigby) Thorpe.Leroy had a deep love of gardening and flowers, he spent many hours in his garden and his house was often filled with fresh flowers and plants. He loved spending time with his family and many friends.Leroy was a past employee of many years for the L.W. Packard Co., formerly of Ashland.He is predeceased by his parents and a sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Martin Allen, formerly of CT.Leroy is survived by his beloved wife of 17 years, Sharon O. (Milliken) Thorpe, of Meredith; a step-son, Stephen Vallee and finacé, Beth Clapper, also of Meredith; a step-daughter, Cherry and husband Duane Walch, of Plymouth; a brother, David Chiasson, of Laconia; a granddaughter, Alyssa Vallee; and nieces and nephews.Memorials:In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leroy's memory to the National Kidney Foundation, NKF Serving New England, 85 Astor Ave. Ste. 2, Norwood, MA 02062-5040.Visitation:Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 from 9 thru 11 am, at Mayhew Funeral Home, Rtes. 3 and 104, Meredith.Service:A funeral service will be held following the calling hours at 11:00 am in the funeral home, the Rev. Ronald Martin, pastor of the Lighthouse Community Chuch, in Thornton, will officiate. Cemetery:Interment will follow the service at the Woodstock Cemetery, Rte. 3, Woodstock.