John Joseph Thorne Jr's Obituary
John Joseph “Buddy” Thorne Jr, 74, of Westminster, Maryland Passed away Thursday March 20, 2025 surrounded by his immediate family. He was born on January 6, 1951, in Washington D.C., the son of John Joseph Thorne, Sr and Nellie Mae (Speakman) Thorne. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brothers Michael Thorne and Robert Thorne, Sr., sister Judith (Thorne) Jones, and granddaughter Sarah. He is survived by his wife Jane Frances (Schnaubelt) Thorne, daughter Jennifer (Michael) Richmond, son John (Teresa) Thorne, III, and daughter Theresa (Richard) Ritter; stepdaughter Elizabeth (Jeff) Goldsmith; grandchildren Kyler, Emilee, Jackson, Angela, Samuel, Sophia, Hannah, Madeline, Joshua, Joseph, Liam, Matthew, Christopher, John Paul, Mary Anna; and his sister Patricia (Thorne) Talcik.
Buddy grew up in Prince Georges County attending Suitland High School (Class of ’69) while volunteering for District Heights Fire Department. Immediately following high school, Buddy continued his dream of becoming a professional firefighter, receiving this distinction in 1971 and being assigned to Glen Echo Fire Department. In January 1974 Buddy met the love of his life, Jane, at a Fireman’s banquet at the Rod and Reel Restaurant where a first dance began their love story.
In Buddy’s 32 year career he served all over Montgomery County starting in Glenn Echo and retiring from Rockville Station 3. During his career Buddy received countless certifications in fire and rescue services and was trained on every apparatus earning him the distinction of Master Firefighter/Rescuer in 1988. He also held various positions throughout his career including Assistant Chief of the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department and President of the Montgomery County Fire Association. Buddy even had the honor of becoming a training officer helping countless firefighters advance their careers and achieve their dreams.
There will be a memorial visitation with the family on Thursday April 17, 2025 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, and a Wake followed by a service and Reception on Saturday April 19th beginning at 10 AM at Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens (9501 Catoctin Mountain Hwy (RT 15), Frederick, MD 21701). There will be no grave side services.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Montgomery County Career Firefighters Charitable Foundation (https://mcfirefoundation.org/donate/) and the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company, 702 N. Main Street, Mount Airy, Maryland 21771.
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