Laconia-----Thorne E. Spaulding, 95, of 21 Ledges Drive, died on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the Taylor Community, Laconia. He was the widower of Rhoda (Brown) Spaulding who died in 2008.
Mr. Spaulding was born August 6, 1915 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, the son of Ora E. and Hazel (Gorham) Spaulding.
Mr. Spaulding was educated in the St. Johnsbury school system. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1933 and from Norwich University in 1937 with a B.S. degree in engineering. He lived in St. Johnsbury for forty-four years before moving to Beloit, Wisconsin where he lived for sixteen years.
Mr. Spaulding worked for Fairbanks, Morse & Co. in various engineering positions relating to the development and manufacture of weighing scales from 1937 until retirement in 1975.
Mr. Spaulding was a captain in the U. S. Army Air Force during World War II having served three years in the Asiatic-Pacific theatre with the 348th and 475th – Fighter Groups of the 5th Air Force. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Service ribbon with seven battle stars, the Philippine Liberation ribbon with one battle star and the Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Mr. Spaulding married Rhoda Brown on April 20, 1946. Upon retirement, they settled in Sanbornton, N.H. for thirteen years and in May, 1988 they moved to the Taylor Community at 18 Taylor Home Drive. Since 2002, they had resided at Taylor Community Ledgeview.
Mr. Spaulding derived much pleasure in the construction and operation of radio controlled model airplanes and radio controlled model sailboats. He was a charter member of the Winnipesaukee Radio Controllers and former member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. He maintained a devoted interest in the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics.
Survivors include a brother, Gordon G. Spaulding, of St. Johnsbury, Vermont and a nephew, Todd G. Spaulding, also of St. Johsnbury.
According to Mr. Spaulding’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services.
Burial will be in the family lot in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 12:00 Noon.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.