In loving memory of

George Almy Thurston Jr
February 23, 1935 - April 8, 2020

George A. Thurston Jr., 85, passed away Wednesday April8, 2020. Born February 23, 1935 in Newport, RI, he was the son of George Almy Thurston and Nina Rogers Thurston.

He graduated from Rogers High School in 1954 then served in the United States Marine Corps. Upon completion of his enlistment, he attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, earning his Associates Degree in Forestry. Employed by the US Forest Service he excelled in his work on the Ochoco National Forest in Oregon. Returning to Rhode Island he transferred to the Dept. of the Navy as a structural firefighter until his retirement in 1987.

George was the owner of the Almy-Thurston Tree Farm on Union Street in Portsmouth where he grew Christmas Trees and blueberries. Ever the conservationist George was most proud to partner with the Aquidneck Land Trust, keeping the farm as open space in perpetuity.

George leaves behind his beloved wife Siobhan, and children: Jonathan Thurston of Jamestown, Cory Lallo of Middletown, Sarah Nekrasz, Anthony Merenda, and Laura Thurston all of Portsmouth. He leaves behind six grandchildren and one great grand-daughter. A very special thank you to the units at Charlton Memorial Hospital who provided extraordinary care.

Georges charm, compassion, quick wit, and humor will be missed by all who were privileged to know him. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021, at 11:00am at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Rd., Portsmouth. George loved his four legged buddies and asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Potter League for Animals or the Bristol Animal Shelter.

Tributes

Gerard Downing wrote on May 27, 2021:

"Siobhan Laura and Tony I Send a very heartfelt condolence . We have such memories together and they will always be in our hearts....."

Gerard Downing wrote on May 27, 2021:

"George you\'re a wonderful man a man I looked up to. I have many fond memories of our families vacationing and all the time we spent on the tree farm. I know exactly where to go if I ever need to contact you .... Rest peacefully \"Semper Fidelis? "

mhd790@cox.net wrote on Apr 18, 2020:

"Dear Sarah and family,I am sorry for your loss.Thinking of you at this difficult time.Prayers and deepest sympathy,"

Judy and Dick Hoogendoorn wrote on Apr 17, 2020:

"Our sympathy to the Thurston family at this time. Judy and Dick Hoogendoorn"

Linda Lundy wrote on Apr 16, 2020:

"Siobhn, please know that I am thinking of you and your family in this time of sorrow.Thoughts and prayers always. Peace and Love"

Mary Pacheco wrote on Apr 14, 2020:

"Siobhan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Going to the farm was a yearly tradition for us every Christmas that we cherished. Eddie often spoke kindly of his service with George at the fire department. My thoughts are with you all."

Carol Ann O'Connell wrote on Apr 14, 2020:

"Laura dear, this is Carol Ann O'Connell... thinking of you at this time, and how much you loved your dad. You spoke of him kindly, while looking after my mother at the Grand Islander when your were Assisting in the Activity room. Your pictures and memories will sustain you. You will feel his presence... Peace to you..."

Bob Mayville wrote on Apr 13, 2020:

"George and I where at station 3 for years together, had a lot of Laugh and good talks walking the gully. Bob Mayville"

Blair Cashmon wrote on Apr 13, 2020:

"I remember George for his twinkley blue eyes, great smile and always had a flannel shirt on . George had so much knowledge to share , sitting and talking to him was a wonderful history lesson . George was also dedicated to his beautiful furbaby and explained to me how he and his dog would walk the Farm trimming and shaping his beloved Christmas Trees as they grew . Everytime I look at the Christmas tree in my yard , I think of how George told me to prune it to keep the shape. He was gentle , kind and loved his family , we will all miss him. "

ANN VORRO wrote on Apr 13, 2020:

"LAURA AND FAMILY --you have so many great memories to help you at this time --he was so loved by all but its still a great loss---may he r.i.p---my prayers and thoughts at this time"

susan hammett wrote on Apr 12, 2020:

"So many good memories, but my favorite is playing the board game Aggravation and listening to the Kingston Trio. He worked with my parents on our farm and they loved him like another son. He will be Missed!"