Robert E. Thorne, 92, lifelong resident of Ashland, passed away Monday, Sept. 24th. He was the husband of Marilyn (Buckmaster) Thorne for 69 years. Born in Ashland, he was the son of Archille "Arch" and Susan (McCluskey) Thorne. Robert is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn, sons Robert and Gregory, daughter Susan, grandsons Adam, David, Michael, and Paul, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves brothers-in-law Richard Frederick and Richard Buckmaster and his wife Waltraut, and sister in law Grace Thorne. He was predeceased by daughter Valerie Gardner, and his siblings, Kathleen Phipps, Thomas, Richard, Barbara Frederick, and Marie. A graduate of Ashland High School, Robert continued his education through courses at Northeastern University, and through his avid reading. He worked for many years in purchasing at Telechron, G.E., and Timex in Ashland. A talented artist and wood craftsman, Robert's other hobby and passion was restoring and preserving his antique home, one of the oldest in Ashland. He also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, antiquing, and travel, and truly appreciated the simple pleasures in life such as a good meal with family, listening to big band music, playing cribbage, and telling stories around the fireplace. Robert had many fond recollections in his later years of growing up in Ashland, and of the townspeople, his work colleagues, neighbors and friends. He was a member of St. Cecilia's Parish. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Sept. 29th at 9:00am in St. Cecilia's Church in Ashland. Calling hours will be held Friday from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. in Ashland. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ashland Emergency Fund, PO Box 112, Ashland, MA 01721 www.mataresefuneral.com