Paul V. Thorp, 73, of Ashland, passed away Monday, Dec. 3rd. Born in Boston and raised in Cambridge and Wayland, he was the son of the late George and Florence (McMullen) Thorp and husband of 50 years to Sally (Raman) Thorp. Paul dedicated his career to education. He began his career in 1968 at Waltham High School, . He also spent four years as principal of Hopedale Junior-Senior High School. Throughout a career devoted to the betterment of young people he also taught at St. Louis School in Honolulu, taught Biology at Ashland High School, served as Science Department Head for Walsh Middle School and Framingham High School, and was a member of the Education and Science Dept. at Framingham State University, training future teachers until 2017. He dedicated over three decades to coaching students for the Academic Decathlon, most recently acting as the Massachusetts State Director. Beyond the classroom, he worked for over twenty five years as a phlebotomist at both Framingham Union and Leonard Morse Hospitals.

Paul was also an active member of his community. He served as an offertory collection counter at St. Cecelia's Parish in Ashland, MA, coached his son's town soccer team, and served as a member of the Ashland School Committee. Paul was a proud, dedicated husband, father and grandfather, attending innumerable sporting events, school plays, and dance recitals. He was always ready to share a story, play a game of cribbage, and cheer on all Boston sports teams.

In addition to his wife; he is survived by his three children, Darline Thorp Yatim and her husband Khalil of Shrewsbury, Sheron Thorp Doucette and her husband Peter of Framingham, and Sean Thorp of Watertown; four grandchildren, Brahim, Maya, and Jad Yatim, and Caitlyn Doucette; three brothers, George (Hawaii), Joseph (Acton, MA), and Robert (Hawaii); one sister, Jayne Thorp (Hawaii); and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Dec. 7th at 9:00 am. at St. Cecilia's Church, 54 Esty St. Ashland, MA with burial to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland. www.mataresefuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship has been established in his name. Donations may be made to: Framingham Teachers Association, c/o Paul V. Thorp Scholarship Fund, 1253 Worcester Road, Suite 302, Framingham, MA 01701