Wayne G. Thurston

Wayne G. Thurston, 70, of Manchester, died October 19, 2018, at Merrimack Hospice House, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Framingham, MA on June 23, 1948, he was the son of Elodie (Molderez) Thurston. Wayne was educated in Manchester and was a West High School graduate, class of 1967. He served in the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1969. During high school, Wayne worked at the popcorn stand in Goffstown center; he also worked for Manchester Paper Supply. Wayne later worked in various grocery stores, for Tom Ray Office Supply and City of Manchester in maintenance for local schools. He completed his career working for Paper Graphics in Merrimack before retiring in 2010.

Wayne was very active in several high school productions and directed Godspell on a continuing basis. He organized weekend retreats and seminars for people involved in music ministries, "Music is You" in NH. Wayne was a member of the League of 1,000 Men and was involved in the Cursillo Movement. Earlier, he served as Youth Minister at St. John Church in Hudson. He very much enjoyed working with youth in church and using his creative and artistic flare to educate.

Wayne was an adventurous, fun loving, and caring man. He was an excellent judge of character and a true people person. He was larger than life itself and knew how to live life to the fullest from an early age. He was honest and loveable, but above all, he will be remembered as a wonderful and loving husband, son, father, grandfather and friend.

Family includes his beloved wife of 47 years, Annette M. "Toni" (Martel) Thurston of Manchester; one son, Joseph D. Thurston and wife, Jackie, of Manchester; one grandson, Elijah D. Thurston, of Manchester; mother-in-law, Alice S. Martel, of Manchester; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Elodie Thurston.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at Ste. Marie Church, 387 Notre Dame Ave., Manchester. Committal prayers with military honors followed in St. Joseph Cemetery, 448 Donald St., Bedford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the following charities in Wayne's memory: Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Rd., Merrimack, NH 03054; or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.