John “Jack” S. Thorpe

Musician and beloved community member John (Jack) S. Thorpe passed away on October 31^st, 2021 at the age of 64.  Jack worked at Carnegie Mellon University for 32 years in various support roles and always had a story and advice for anyone who needed it.  He was an advocate for equal rights and deeply rooted in Allegheny County where he was born and lived his entire life.

Jack’s greatest pleasure was music.  He was entirely self-taught and never took a lesson, learning to play the harmonica and guitar strictly by ear.  Blues was his favorite genre, but he rarely heard any music he disliked. He played often with friends and family and even moonlighted with a few local bands.  His brilliance and talent were noticed by everyone who came into his sphere.  Jack is remembered with love by Gregory and Deborah Roberts, Amy Sinelli, Anna and Scott Cowan, Amanda Kin, Keri Vanderpool, and George Drum.

Jack’s remains will be taken to the Thorpe family cemetery in Ohiopyle, Pa for a private ceremony.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that you give a donation in Jack’s name to your local food bank or Creative Life Support, an organization in Allegheny County that helps bring music to those who need it most.