Percy Thorne, Jr. was the eldest born to the union of the late Percy and Lucille "Lucy" Cherry Thorne.  He is predeceased by his sister, Barbara Ann Thorne who died in 1942 as an infant; and brother, Melvin Thorne who died in 2007.  Percy spent his formative years in Brooklyn, New York in the Brownsville section with his parents and two brothers. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1961 and attended the University of Illinois on a football scholarship until an injury to his knee.  Percy graduated from North Carolina Central University in 1967, as well as receiving two master's degrees from Baruch College. In the same year, Percy began his career as an educator within the NYC Department of Education beginning as a teacher and football coach at his alma mater Thomas Jefferson High School.

In 1970, Percy started working at Boys and Girls High School for 15 years in Brooklyn, New York as a teacher and football coach in what would become a lifelong connection with so many friends and family. In 1985, Percy was promoted as an Administrator to the Chancellor's Special Task Force. In the latter years of his career, he presided as a Supervisor of the Big Apple Games, Principal of Springfield High School, Principal of Crossroads as well as Principal of Second Opportunity School before retiring in 2006. Percy Thorne was a family man reared alongside his mother Lucy's ten siblings in Tarboro, North Carolina. Percy was raised with a rich tradition of family connections, faith and friendship. He embodied these traditions and he loved his family, extended family, community, philanthropy and charity. Percy contributed his time, energy and passion as a champion for youth expanding and encouraging minds through continued education. He would drive many to their freshman year at a university or college and helped get them settled in. He was a great mentor and exemplary role model throughout his career and personal life.

Mr. Percy Thorne, Jr. was an extraordinary gentleman receiving accolades that accompany a well-lived life. Percy was a leader, a problem solver who coached all of us along his journey and of course he had all the answers. Percy was a proud Raiders fan, a photographer, videographer, family historian, loved hard, hugged hard and was sincere with concern for all the people he helped.  In retirement, Percy continued to enjoy entertaining, hosting and planning family reunions, Boys and Girls High School Alumni reunions and creating amazing experiences with his eleven grandchildren and family.  In addition, Percy enjoyed gardening, barbequing, sharing a good story or his accounting of the story and all were welcomed and treated as family in he and Barbara's lovely home.

Percy navigated through life and set a template for these rich traditions. Family values became the foundation for his union with his beautiful bride of 45 years, Mrs. Barbara Ann Thorne. Percy and Barbara met through his coaching at Boys & Girls High School.

Percy leaves to mourn:

• His wife, Mrs. Barbara Ann Thorne; four children, Sean Kelly, Dion Thorne, Dr. Nyree Thorne-Rodriguez and David Thorne.
• Grandchildren: Courtney, Dion "Ty", Damien, Dajah, Abigail, Bishop, Grace, Deacon, Trinity, Serenity, and Amber.
• Daughters-in-law: Roxanne Kelly, Suajana Thorne
• Son-in-law: Carlos Rodriguez
• Brother: George Thomas Thorne
• Aunts: Elizabeth Farmer, Mary Dean, Dorothy Cherry-Parker, and Ella Cotton
• Sixteen Nieces and Nephews: Bruce Thorne, Jacqueline Thorne, Yolanda Thorne, Mookie Stokes, Jamall Stokes, Jenell Stokes, Wille Stokes, Jovan Stokes, Cheri Stokes, Nadir Daniels, Jayvon Smith, Thomas Smith, Quiana Haynes, Shakeya Stokes, Tiffany Easley, Justin Stokes
• Twelve Cousins: Shirley Farmer, Rhonda Hamilton, Angie Cherry, Daryl Cherry, Lisa Whitaker, Sean Whitaker, Kathy Dean, Ray Dean, Eric Cherry, Michelle Stewart, Douglas Cherry, Michael Cherry
• Thirteen Sisters and Brothers-in-law: Elaine Thorne, Margret Thorne, Reatha Stokes, Vanessa Stokes, Wendy Stokes, Rosetta Stokes, Tonya Stokes, Willie Stokes, Ronald Stokes, Thomas Stokes, Benjamin Stokes, Barry Stokes, Isaac Stokes
• Posthumously
  • Uncles: James Cherry, Jimmy (Peanut) Cherry, Frederick Cherry. Aunts: Anne Cherry, Magnolia Cherry, Betty Cherry. Cousin: Madeline Bowden
  • Sister-in-law: Lenora Thorne

He also leaves to mourn an abundance of family and friends who adored him and will forever be positively impacted by his life. No matter the relationship, the interaction with Percy Thorne, Jr. was the same; heartfelt and genuine.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, January 14, 2022 at Russell Funeral Home.

Private services will be held Saturday, January 15, 2022.