Francis John "Frank" Thorpe, 70, of Forrest Street in Petrolia died Saturday at the Chicora Medical Center after a long illness.

Born in Englewood, N.J., Aug. 2, 1935, he was a son of Francis N. and Anna Thompson Thorpe.

He was a member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in Palisades Park, N.J.

Mr. Thorpe was a graduate of Leonia High School in Palisades Park and then he attended St. Mary's College in New York, N.Y., where he studied accounting.

He served with the Marine Corps for two years and was deputy chief of police in Palisades Park for 34 years. He was a member of the volunteer fire department in Palisades Park.

Surviving are his wife, Marlene M. Yonushewski Thorpe, whom he married Nov. 5, 1983, in Palisades Park; a sister, Rosalie Craddock and her husband, Phillip, of Englewood; a sister-in-law, Marsha Yonushewski Montgomery and her husband, John, of Butler; and two dogs, Lady and Mimi. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

He also was preceded in death by a sister, Anna Blako; a nephew, Raymond Blako; and a niece, Phyllis Craddock.

THORPE — A memorial service for Francis John "Frank" Thorpe, who died Saturday, Oct. 22, 2005, will be announced later. Arrangements are being handled by the RICHARD D HILLIS FUNERAL HOME, Petrolia.