In admiration of the traits of his grandfather, the late William S. Eppley, a well-known local businessman, he supported many local causes designed to preserve the special qualities of Central Pennsylvania, often donating his time to work undertaken by his friends and family. Chris attended the Carlisle Public Schools through 11th grade, where he excelled in football and track, but earned his diploma at Phillips Academy (Andover, MA) in 1975 before going first to Dickinson College and then to Harvard College where he majored in Art History. After leaving college, he returned to Carlisle where he was employed for 26 years at the South Middleton Township Municipal Authority, serving most recently as Assistant Operations Manager. In May 2010, he married Judy Prescott, daughter of Doris and the late Robert Prescott. The two had known each other since their schools days, and their marriage was a time of great joy as they shared a love of kayaking and the outdoors, time at their Pine Grove cabin, traveling to historic locations in Pennsylvania, and most recently as supporters of the Barnes Foundation. Chris was a talented photographer and artist, and had a love for antiques, often working at local auctions for his long-time friend, Tammy Erb.

He was the son of Ronald D. Thorpe, now of Newville, and the late Audrey Eppley Thorpe. Besides his wife and father, he is survived by his step-mother, Deborah Thorpe, brothers; Ronald D. Thorpe, Jr. of Westport, CT, and William S. Thorpe and his partner Donna Thompson of Gettysburg, step-sister, Anne Walizer and her husband Stephen of Pittsburgh, along with his beloved niece Katherine and nephews Daniel, Christopher, and Zachary.

A Memorial Service is planned for the Ironmaster's Mansion at Pine Grove Furnace on Friday, June 22, 2012 at 4 p.m. A time of fellowship and to share memories about Chris will immediately follow the service at the Mansion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy (http://centralpaconservancy.org) or the Furry Friends Network ( http://furryfriendsnetwork.com). Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Carlisle, is assisting the family with the arrangements.