Obituary for Ronald D. Thorpe, Jr. (Guest book)

Message from Jeremy Ruch

September 26, 2017 2:58 PM

Mr. Thorpe was my first boss, at a summer internship with WNET back in 2007. He was an incredible role model, and among the most thoughtful people I've ever had the privilege to work for. His passion for improving our country's education system - one conference, program, or educational website at a time - was infectious even for a cynical sixteen year old.

I feel deeply fortunate to have had the opportunity just to meet Mr. Thorpe, let alone have him be my first introduction to the workplace. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and want to extend my condolences and best wishes to his family.

Message from Patrick Petre

October 19, 2015 4:17 PM

I just found out with great sadness that Ron had passed. He and I were classmates and played multiple sports together at Carlisle High School in the late 60's. He was an outstanding athlete...a little ahead of his time....big and fast.
What an intellect as well:
With Sympathy:
Patrick Petre CHS 1970
Susquehanna U 1974

CEO Anaheim Regional Medical Center

A candle was lit by Risa Chase Nicolosi on July 7, 2015 9:15 PM

Message from Sandra Courtois-Lawrence

July 7, 2015 12:12 PM

I was heartbroken to learn of Ron's passing. He was, and remains, an inspirational leader in my life. When meeting him for the first time in Raleigh, NC in 2013, his sincere & passionate vision for teacher leadership and the education profession made a dramatic impact on me. I count it a great privilege to have hosted him at our Arkansas state affiliate conference in 2014. I am positive that the same vision that touched me has impacted countless others as well. I would like to offer my condolences to his family. Please know that you are in my prayers. I pray that God will comfort you all during this difficult time.

Message from Debra Kay Robinson Lindsay

July 7, 2015 10:58 AM

My thoughts are with you and your family.

A candle was lit by Barbara Pape on July 6, 2015 10:58 PM

Message from Barbara Pape

July 6, 2015 10:58 PM

Ron coined the phrase Where Knowledge Meets Inspiration as a motto for his beloved Teaching & Learning conference. That phrase, though, also describes Ron. It was a pleasure and honor to meet and work for him. A true visionary in the education world.

A candle was lit by Ian & Heather Kerr on July 6, 2015 1:58 PM

A candle was lit by Kate Musgrave on July 6, 2015 1:31 PM

Message from Carol Mycock

July 6, 2015 12:53 PM

Ron's energy, enthusiasm, and vision for education and making a positive impact on student learning was so uplifting! His support of teachers and his desire to see them be appreciated for their efforts and accomplishments was an asset to all educators. He will be missed. God's blessings of peace and strength to His family. Thanks for sharing him.

A candle was lit by Murrell P Thompson on July 6, 2015 11:36 AM

Message from John I. Wilson

July 6, 2015 7:58 AM

Margaret and family, I share your sadness with the loss of Ron. He was a friend and colleague who inspired all of us to dream what teaching could be and to fight to assure that the teachers had the professional status they deserved. We will continue his fight and his legacy. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

A candle was lit by Grand Pacheco on July 5, 2015 9:03 PM

Message from Rick Schwartz

July 5, 2015 2:56 PM

I worked with Ron at The Rhode Island Foundation during the major effort to bring educators into the 20th century regarding technology -- and catch up to their students. It was amazing to watch Ron throw himself heart, head, and soul into the effort because he was that passionate about education. I haven't seen him in years, but it's no surprise that he continued to dedicate his life to education. I'm sorry for the field -- and to his friends -- that it's lost such an advocate.

A candle was lit by Pauline Sawyers on July 4, 2015 7:31 PM

Message from Lisa Brousse

July 4, 2015 8:26 AM

Dear Ron & Family,

Please accept my deepest condolence at this sad time. I knew Ron in high school and had the pleasure of traveling to Italy with him as part of our Latin class. He contributed greatly to the field of education during his lifetime and I know that you were always so proud of his work.

Lisa Brousse

A candle was lit by Haydee Rodriguez on July 3, 2015 2:30 PM

Message from Peggy Brookins

July 3, 2015 2:12 PM

To say I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ron Thorpe is an understatement. During my first meeting with Ron, it was evident how much he loved his wife Margaret and his daughter Katie. Nothing would make him light up more than when Margaret entered a room or he spoke of Katie. He was thoughtful, kind, caring, committed to his family and his work. I am fortunate to have worked alongside a visionary. For everything Ron has done for us in life, we owe him our eternal love and the promise we will never forget him and will carry out the vision he has emboldened in a dedicated staff. May God bless his family and grant him eternal peace.

Message from Sharon Ferrari

July 3, 2015 1:35 PM

Gratitude to Ron for his service of excellence and committment to the National Board Certified Teachers. Sincere sympathy to Ron's family, friends, and all who have known, admired, and loved Ron. May he rest in peace. We NBCTs must continue his legacy.

Message from ellen lenihan flaherty

July 3, 2015 10:35 AM

I am truly sad by the news of Ron's passing. It was an honor to work with him at Thirteen/WNET - I was always inspired by his vision and passion. My sincere sympathies to his family and friends during this very difficult time. May his mighty spirit comfort you all.

A candle was lit by Deb Fidali, NBCT on July 3, 2015 9:54 AM

Message from Nancy Fancyboy

July 2, 2015 10:11 PM

I didn't meet Ron until February, 2014, when I had the privilege of introducing him at our state conference. Because he hadn't responded to my email to dress up his bio a little, I made things up. I included him being a roadie to Three Dog Night and having the winning design for the Oscar Meyer Weiner-Mobile, among other things. Chuckling, he took it in stride and never refuted what I had said. I knew then we would become friends. Sometimes you come across someone in the course of your ordinary life who you know is extraordinary and will impact you greatly. Ron was that person. He inspired me to reach higher and farther than I ever had on behalf of the teaching profession. I will continue to do so, keeping in mind his vision and his quiet strength. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that tens of thousands pray for your comfort as you face your grief and what I am sure is a great void in your life.

Message from Karen Mitcham,'04, renewed '14

July 6, 2015 11:47 AM

I cannot imagine the loss for you, his family. Oh, but what a loss for educators. His humility, his insight, and his vision for Board Certification were evident that weekend at Harding University in Searcy, AR. His one-to-one conversations and delivery of his vision for National Board Certification motivated all of the teachers in attendance and gave us hope for the future of the teaching profession.

Message from Jessica Schwartz

July 2, 2015 5:11 PM

I just now found out about Ron's passing, and I am so terribly saddened by this news, which came as such a shock since I had no idea he was ill. I was in very close touch with Ron after he left Wallace and during his WNET years, but lost contact more recently - now, to my great loss. I want this message to be especially for you, Margaret: I never encountered a man who loved someone as much as Ron loved you. He felt like he was privileged and lucky to have you in his life - it was terrific to see his devotion and to believe that kind of bond was possible. The loss for you must be very painful, and I wish you and yours my heartfelt condolences.
I was Ron's friend.
Jessica

A candle was lit by Amy Hsiao on July 2, 2015 4:13 PM

Message from Alandra P. Williams

July 2, 2015 11:56 AM

My deepest condolences to the family. May God grant you peace and comfort during this time of bereavement. I did not have the pleasure or honor of knowing or ever meeting Dr. Thorpe.However, I am just one of the many National Board Certified Teachers throughout this country who owe a depth of gratitude to him for his commitment and dedication to excellence in the area of education.

A candle was lit by Cynthia Foster on July 2, 2015 11:44 AM

Message from Suzanne Guthrie

July 2, 2015 9:57 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Ron at Thirteen/WNET for a number of years and remember his deep love of poetry, music, parties and teaching. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

A candle was lit by Suzanne Guthrie on July 2, 2015 9:44 AM

Ronald D. Thorpe, Jr.

A year of daily grief support