Stephen Richard Thurston

Stephen R. Thurston passed away on August 20, 2024 at the Wolfeboro Bay Center.  He was born on November 26, 1949 in Melrose, Massachusetts, the son of Richard P. and Virginia (French) Thurston.   

Steve spent his early years in Saugus, MA and Wayland, MA, spending his final years in Effingham Falls, NH with his late father on the family homestead. 

Steve had many jobs during life’s journey. He was particularly good with people and always had a cheerful demeanor. If he encountered someone who was having a “bad day” it was not unusual for him to turn their day around. He was always kind to all those who crossed his path in life. People often referred to him as a fellow with a gentle soul. His kindness and compassion with people served him well working for many years at the Wrentham State School in Massachusetts. He also drove a van in NH for people who needed to get to their medical appointments.

Steve lived a rather monastic life. His needs were simple. Give him a few Whopper Jr. hamburgers with nothing but onions on them, a bag of red licorice Twizzlers, a really good cup of coffee and a car to drive and he was in heaven. 

Steve shared his love of auto racing with his dad. Steve could tell you who won the Indy 500 in 1964 and what they were driving. Together they attended the Mt. Equinox Hill Climb in Sunderland, VT sponsored by the Sports Car Club of America (and lately by the Vintage Sports Car Club of America) for over 60 years. It didn’t matter whether it was Formula One racing, NASCAR or Indy races; he knew the drivers, their capabilities, and the cars they were driving. Steve was particularly proud of winning a class winner trophy at the New England Dragway with his Plymouth Barracuda.   

Steve especially loved animals. He loved going to the beach at Province Lake to observe the mother ducks with their babies. He adored his cats Danica (guess who she is named after) and Sweetie.    

Steve enjoyed following all manner of sports; in particular boxing and football. His library of books pertaining to boxing and football greats was extensive, as well as numerous books of world famous race car drivers. His library also included several books about Marilyn Monroe, his favorite actress of all time. 

Steve is survived by his sister, Carol Zachor, of Wolfeboro, NH; his niece, Cheryle Lucenta and her husband Nicky of Natick, MA; his nephew, Guy LeBlanc, of Maynard, MA and his nephew, Wayne LeBlanc, of Bel Air, MD. He was predeceased by his sister, Joan LeBlanc of Natick, MA and his nephew, John LeBlanc of S. Natick, MA, 

If you wish, you may go to lordfuneralhome.com to leave a fond memory. Burial was private but a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Also, if you wish to make a donation in Steve’s memory, please consider The Lakes Region Humane Society located at 11 Old Route 28, Ossipee, NH  03864.       

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