NEWBURYPORT, Mass. — Henry Plummer Thurlow Jr., 92, a Salisbury, Mass., resident for more than 60 years, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, Feb. 5, at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, Mass.
He was married to Eiko Janet (Matsubara) Thurlow for 68 years, most of which was spent at their home on True Road. The only son of the late Henry P. and Emma L. (True) Thurlow, Henry was born in Danvers, Mass., on Feb. 28, 1924, and was a graduate of Holton High School in Danvers, Mass., with the Class of 1942.
Henry joined the U.S. Navy shortly after graduating from high school, proudly serving during World War II from Jan. 13, 1943, until his honorable discharge from active duty on March 7, 1946. He continued to serve his country in the Navy Reserve with the Patrol Squadron VP911 at South Weymouth Naval Air Station and retired after 28 years with rank of chief petty officer.
Coming home from the war in 1946, he went on to receive an associate degree from the Wentworth Institute of Technology in 1948. After his schooling, Henry worked as an electrician, a draftsman, and worked 18 years as a quality control engineer at Cargocaire Engineering Co. in Amesbury where he retired in the spring of 1990.
Henry was actively involved with the Masonic bodies, having been a 75-year member and past master of St. John’s Lodge, High Priest of King Cyrus Chapter, past commander of Newburyport Commandery, Knight’s Templar and Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter. He was also a member of the Odd Fellows, was a Board of Trustees chairman of the Salisbury Public Library for many years.
Henry was a longtime affiliate of the East Parish United Methodist Church of Salisbury, where he was moderator for 30 years, as well as Central Congregational Church of Newburyport where he was moderator for 19 years.
His love of music turned Henry into an accomplished musician and kept him busy in his leisure time, playing with various bands in the area, including a German Band and Dixie Band. After his retirement, Henry was well known for his repair work of musical instruments.
In addition to his wife, Eiko, he is survived by his son, Roger E. Thurlow of Salisbury; his daughter, Janet T. Fournier of South Paris; four grandchildren, Daniel and Christopher Thurlow, Jennifer Gordon and Joseph Fournier; along with several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members and longtime friends.
He was predeceased by two sisters, Lois Schwarz and Barbara Bell.
He will be truly missed by all who knew him, and the memories he has shared, with each and every one, will be treasured forever.
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