PEABODY - Reverend Dr. Richard Addison Thornburg, 91, of Brooksby Village, Peabody, beloved husband of 66 years to the late Joyce (Lidstone) Thornburg, earned his eternal reward Monday evening, October 22, 2018. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of the late Amos A. and Alice Elizabeth (Sutherland) Thornburg. He was raised and educated in Providence, Rhode Island and he graduated from the Moses Brown School. He continued his education graduating from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He was called to serve God and attended Union Theological Seminary in New York. Following his graduation from seminary, he began a long and illustrious career as a religious leader, pastoring many over the course of a long and well lived life. He was passionately dedicated to those he served. As a young clergyman, he began his service to the Methodist church serving in Garrison and Van Courtlandville in New York and was assigned to his first Pastoral assignment at Trinity United Methodist Church in Richmond Hill (Queens) NY. In his early years he served the United Methodist Church in Southampton, L.I., NY and the United Methodist Church of Floral Park, L.I., NY. He later became Pastor of the United Methodist Church of Norwalk, Connecticut and spent 13 years leading the church. Following this assignment, he was appointed the Superintendent of the Connecticut West District - New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He served on many district and conference committees and was always steadfast in his dedication to the church and his fellow clergy. Later in his professional career he spent five years at Memorial Church in White Plains, N.Y. and finished his career at Memorial Church in Avon, CT. Rev. Thornburg was highly regarded and respected professionally and mentored many young clergy throughout the years. He was steadfast in his beliefs, deeds and carried himself with great dignity, humility and reverence throughout his life. He was a passionate leader, a loving husband, a devoted father and a caring friend. A resident of Brooksby Village since the year 2004, Dick had a great impact on the community, always with the betterment of the quality of life for his fellow residents foremost in his mind. He was the architect and co-founder of the Benevolent Care Fund at Brooksby village and was a steadfast supporter and champion of the Student Scholarship at Brooksby Village. He represented residents on the Resident Advisory Council serving as Chair for many years and will be remembered for his weekly television program. He enjoyed music and song and was a devoted member of the Protestant Choir at Brooksby Village. He touched many lives in diverse, positive ways and created a legacy that will last for generations.

Dick is survived by his sons, Richard W. Thornburg and his wife Lynette of Suffield, CT and John D. Thornburg and his wife Elizabeth of Dallas, TX, his grandchildren, Kate Betz and her husband Dave of Austin, TX, Jonathan Thornburg and his wife Amanda of Charlottesville, VA; Jennifer Osowiecki and her husband Noel of Windsor, CT and Stephanie Stone of Windsor, CT., his eight great grandchildren, his sister Mary Elizabeth Cooper of Rochester, NY, his sister-in-law, Ann Thornburg of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and several nieces and nephews. He was the twin brother of the late Robert Thornburg - also called to a distinguished life of service to God and the church. His niece Amy (Lidstone) was a beloved companion. His family rejoices at his reunification with Joyce and a peaceful end to a truly meaningful life. ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral service will be held in the Chapel at Brooksby Village, Friday, October 26th at 11 A.M.. Assisting the family with the arrangements is the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple Street, (Rte. 62) Danvers. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Richard's memory to Brooksby Village C/O Resident Care Fund, 100 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody, MA 01960. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com