Dale Warren Thorpe

Dale W. Thorpe of Concord, California, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 19, at the age of 91. Dale was born on November 13, 1930, in Eagle Grove, Iowa, and grew up in Winona Lake, Indiana, Rattigan, Pennsylvania, and Butler, Pennsylvania.

Dale proudly served in the U.S. Army as a medic in the Korean War, enlisting in September 1948. He was in Japan at the time the Korean War broke out, assigned to the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division - the first American troops to face off with the North Koreans. Dale was honorably discharged in June 1952, with the rank of Sergeant. The Army awarded him the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

After the war, Dale moved to San Francisco, California, where he met the love of his life, Teresa M. Thorpe, nee Chiechi, who preceded him in death.

Dale is survived by his children Susan Faina, son-in-law Keith Faina, James Thorpe, and daughter-in-law Kimberly Thorpe, grandchildren Christopher Faina and his spouse Cherie Faina, Erin Earnest and her spouse Taylor Earnest, Daniel Faina, Nicolas Thorpe, and Rachel Thorpe, step-grandchildren Chase Moczygemba and Rex Moczygemba, and great-grandchildren Jordan Faina, Hannah Faina, and Nathan Faina.

Dale was a devout Christian and his strong faith comforted him as he battled several afflictions without complaint. He was heavily involved in church life, never shy to join the choir and belt out solos. In his later years, Dale took several mission trips, including Ukraine and Zambia, and went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Dale worked for 30 years in the City and County of San Francisco Paint Department, retiring as General Foreman. House painting was always his passion as he spent most weekends throughout his career working side jobs and delighting his customers while earning the distinction of the “neatest painter ever,” at least according to his brother and fellow painter, Bob Thorpe.

An ardent San Francisco Giants fan, Dale always had the radio tuned in to games. He also painted the home of all-time Giants great Willie Mays while the “Say Hey Kid” was in his heyday.

The family is indebted to the staffs of Oakmont of Montecito, The Kensington, and The Chateau. These assisted living facilities in the East Bay employ some truly special people who loved Dale like family. The family also thanks the caring nurses of Hospice East Bay for keeping Dale as comfortable as possible.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Dale’s Life at Woodlawn Memorial Park Chapel, 1000 El Camino Real, Colma, CA, on Friday, May 13, at 1:00pm. Visitation with the family will begin at 12:30pm.

Interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 1500 Mission Road, Colma, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dale’s honor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org/donate or to Hospice East Bay at hospiceeastbay.org.