Obituary of Henry J. P. Thurnau

Henry John Patrick Thurnau died peacefully at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center on February 6, 2014 after an 8 month battle with cancer. Henry was born in Teaneck, New Jersey on March 17, 1950, son of the late Henry J. Thurnau Jr. and Helen M. Thurnau. Henry grew up in New Milford, NJ and was a graduate of New Milford High School. He went on to serve in the U.S. Navy, following which he lived in the San Francisco area. He moved back East in the mid ‘70’s and worked as a longshoreman in Bayonne, NJ. His brother Christopher brought him to Bolton Landing, NY where he settled in the early 80’s and owned a home since 1987. He enjoyed his work as a caretaker at the Bixby Farm and other properties. Most recently, he worked for the State of New York as caregiver in a home for women with special needs, and did his best to enhance the quality of life of those in his charge. Henry enjoyed his life in Bolton, a peaceful and friendly small town where he came to know and be known by most of the residents. He was laid-back, seldom in a hurry, and happy to share a cup of coffee and a chat with his good neighbors and friends. He was very interested in the history of the Adirondack region and would share stories of the places he visited. He liked hunting and fishing, and took great pride in the care of his property. Henry retired a year ago, with plans of touring the country on his motorcycle. Unfortunately, last summer he was diagnosed with and finally succumbed to very aggressive malignant melanoma. He received excellent care at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center where he spent his last weeks in hospice. He was gracious and uncomplaining, refused to entertain negativity, stress, sadness, fuss or bother and enjoyed the visits and phone calls of old friends and family members. The eldest of 7 siblings, he is survived by his sisters, Mary Thurnau of Colebrook, CT, Anne Wahl and her husband Douglas of Randleman, NC, and Helen McIlwain and her husband James of River Edge, NJ; and brothers Peter Thurnau, Thomas Thurnau and his wife Lisa of Northvale, NJ and Christopher Thurnau of Madison, WI. A future gathering to celebrate Henry’s life will be planned at the family’s convenience.