Paul Elliott Thorne

Retired First Class Petty Officer, United States Navy

April 17, 1944 – September 16, 2026

With broken hearts, the family of Paul Elliott Thorne announce his passing on September 16, 2026, at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia, surrounded by his loving family. After a long battle with Military Service connected Agent Orange and the many health challenges that accompanied it, Paul passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior.

Paul was born in Maine and knew from a very young age he wanted to serve his country and  enlisted in the United States Navy as soon as he turned 18 and proudly served 20 years for our country while doing 1 tour in Vietnam and was excused from a 2nd tour due to the birth of his first daughter.

Upon retiring to Vermont in January of 1983, he began working at Cabot Cheese Factory in Middlebury, Vermont. He also had a reputable position with Target for many years in different areas.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents;  his loving devoted first wife of 23 years, Ginger Thorne; brother-in-law Donald Burdett; nephew Dan Huse; father-in-law Bernard Burby; and mother-in-law Ruth Blessington.

Paul is survived by:

His loving and devoted wife of 30 years, Diane Burby Thorne Newport News, VA

Sister, Sheryl Burdette Warrensburg, NY

Daughter, Leeann Thorne and (Vernon Lefebvre)Glens Falls, NY

Daughter, Lyn Taggart Fiez-Vandal  (Cedric) Surrey, England

Granddaughter, Alexis Murphy  (Christopher), Hudson Falls, NY

Grandson, Quinlan Taggart Surrey, England

Great-granddaughter, Nevaeh, Hudson Falls, NY

Brother-in-law, Bruce Burby (Berit), Norway

Nephew, Justin and family

Step-son, Matthew Hancsarik, (London)and children Tennessee

Step-son, Christopher Hancsarik and (April) Portsmouth, VA

Step-son, Nicholas Hancsarik Tennessee

Niece Maria Burdett-Huse Huse, (Patrick)and children Queensbury New York

Nephew Greg Burdett, (Nancy) and children, Florida

Nephew Eric Burdett, (Gillian)and kids, Warrensburg New York

Niece Rebecca Palmateer (Chris)and children , Hudson Falls, NY

And several great Nieces and Nephews in New York and Vermont along with many beloved friends and church community members, all who loved Paul so very much.

Some of his happiest memories were made simply spending time with the people he loved.

He especially enjoyed visits from his oldest daughter, sharing time at the beach, eating the meals she prepared, enjoying her desserts, walking the shops in Virginia Beach spending precious family time with her, his granddaughter, and his great-granddaughter. One of his daughter's fondest childhood memories was sitting with her dad, eating BLTs and watching CHiPs together. Her time with her dad was always loving, caring and supportive and she will forever miss him.

Paul treasured the summers when his granddaughter would spend a week or two with him and Diane in Virginia. Those visits created memories that she would carry with her throughout her life. She loved her Grandpa dearly, and the time they shared was something she will always treasure. When his granddaughter would call the house phone he would answer and try to have a conversation but he would have no idea what to say to her when she was a teenager and would just say "uhhh alright love you let me find your gram" it made her laugh every time.

Paul's youngest daughter moved to England in her 20s, and some of his happiest times were spent with her, her husband, and her son when they visited Virginia and Florida. Most recently, they enjoyed time in Naples, Florida, and had a wonderful time exploring and adventuring together for his 80th birthday. His youngest daughter's childhood memories radiate love, warmth, and countless joyful times together with him.

Paul's Grandson enjoyed spending holiday time with his Grandad, and getting updates about his Grandad (and his beloved dog, Randy) and telling him about school and life on the phone. Paul was very proud of his grandson's accomplishments and theatrical performances. He loved his Grandad so much.

His Great-Granddaughter always enjoyed sitting with him watching TV and going for walks with the dogs.

Paul was a man of few words, but when he spoke, you knew it—and you listened. He had a very special sense of humor and a stubborn streak that his family knew well. Things were done his way and in his time, and if you paid close enough attention, you would eventually understand why.

He loved his dogs and cats throughout the years and found comfort in the simple routines of home. He enjoyed watching The Price Is Right, Matlock, Murder, She Wrote, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza—often over and over again. And whenever someone pointed out that he had seen an episode before, Paul would simply say, "I haven't seen this episode."

Paul and Diane shared 30 years of marriage filled with love, travel, and memories. Together they lived in Virginia and Florida before returning to Newport News most recently . They enjoyed many vacations in Maine, a place Paul loved dearly, as well as Vermont, New York,  England and Norway.  For Paul, however, the destination was never as important as the person beside him. Diane was his world, and the love they shared will remain with his family forever.

Paul leaves behind a legacy of service, devotion, humor, stubborn determination, and above all, love for his family. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, extended family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His family takes comfort in knowing that while Paul may no longer be physically with them, his love, his stories, his laughter, and the memories he created will live on forever.

At Paul's request, there will be no formal services. His family will honor his wishes and, at their convenience, spread his ashes in Maine, a place that held a special place in his heart.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Paul's memory are encouraged to make a donation to their local SPCA or animal shelter, reflecting his lifelong love for animals.

Till we meet again.