Obituary of Richard E. Thornburg

Richard (Dick) Elvin Thornburg, 91, was born in Muncie Indiana on September 2, 1930. He moved to Colorado in 1955 to finish college at the University of Colorado Boulder and raise his daughter with his first wife Becky. Dick then moved across the country to Nassau, New York to marry the second love of his life, Ida. Dick went to be with the Lord on November 8th, 2021, at home of natural causes. Dick is predeceased by his parents (Horace and Ada), his brother (William), his first wife, Rebecca (1991) son, Todd (1964) and is survived by his wife of 24 years, Ida, his daughter Debbie (Scott), his daughter Jayne (Rich), his grandsons, Taylor and Jordan (Galina), his granddaughters, Courtney, Rachel, Hannah (Ed). He is also survived by 12 great grandchildren. Dick was a mentor and a friend to many throughout his life. He was always happy to share his knowledge with his family and friends. He was an Eagle Scout and inspired his grandson, Jordan, to become an Eagle Scout. Dick, served in the United States Navy (1951-1955), he is a structural engineer and was President of Rocky Mountain Prestress, Denver CO and President of Spancrete Precast in the Albany New York area. He designed and built many buildings throughout his career. Dick loved to work in the yard and build model airplanes. Dick loved to do crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Dick loved to ski. He loved to travel the world with his wife Ida, and when he wasn’t physically traveling with her, he was traveling through his favorite books. He read over 800 books after relocating to Nassau and frequented the Nassau Library. Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to our husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor, yet those heavy hearts sing with joy as we wish him well on his journey to join his many loved ones who wait to welcome him to the side of our Father in Heaven. We love you Dick and will remember all you gave to us during your time on this earth. Donations in Dick Thornburg’s memory can be made to the Nassau Free Library, PO Box 436, Nassau, New York, 12123.