Peter D. Thropp III
Peter D. Thropp III of Princeton and Mantoloking, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2017, in Baltimore, due to complications from a fall two days earlier.
Born in Trenton, New Jersey on December 10, 1926, he attended Junior 3 in that city, graduated from The Lawrenceville School in 1945, and received a bachelor of science degree from Yale University in 1949. His military service was with the New Jersey National Guard after World War II.
He was a champion swimmer at both Lawrenceville and Yale, affectionately referred to by his teammates as “Shoulders.” Going to the gym three times a week was routine throughout his life, maintaining a 32” waist and a 44” chest until his 70s.
Peter’s career and passion for the stock market began in New York with the brokerage firm of A.C. Allen. Over 60 years later, in Princeton, he retired reluctantly from Oppenheimer and Co. at age 88.
His heart was at the Jersey Shore, spending summers at the family home in Mantoloking, where he and his wife, Patty, moved permanently in 2015. Over the years, the beach house was a gathering spot for family and friends where cherished memories were made. A long-time member of the Bay Head Yacht Club, Peter enjoyed dinner on the deck at sunset, relaxing on the beach, catching the waves, and riding his bike. In recent years, he was happy sitting on the porch and chatting with both “doggies” and dog walkers as they strolled by. His affection for animals was second only to his devotion to family.
Although in declining health for several years, Peter had rebounded from serious medical conditions and was called a miracle man. He was mentally sharp, determined to move around with his cane, and was still driving the day before the fall.
He was predeceased by his mother, Evelyn W. Henry; father, Peter D. Thropp, Jr.; step-father Edward A. Henry; and sister Susan C. Henry. Surviving are his beloved wife of 60 years, Patty (née Duvall); and his brother Clifford W. Henry (Michele) of Vero Beach, Fla. He also leaves behind his devoted sons, Brooks (Betsy); grandsons Peter and Davis, all of Monkton, Md; Christopher (Jill); grandchildren Kelsey, Christian, and Will of Mechanicsburg, Pa; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 4 in Bay Head, N.J. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 500 Lake Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: SAVE — A Friend to Homeless Animals, 1010 Route 601, Skillman, NJ 08558.