In Memory Of
Ralph Harvey Thorla
1933
2017
Ralph Harvey Thorla
April 17, 1933 — July 24, 2017
Ralph "Harvey" Thorla, age 84 of Akron, Ohio, passed away at his home on July 24, 2017.
He was born on April 17, 1933 in Lytelsburg, Ohio, the son of the late Ralph William and Alice Merle Walker Thorla.
Harvey was devoted to his loving wife, Margaret (Peggy), and his entire family.
He attended Canton McKinley High School prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He served four years active duty, primarily off the coast of N. Korea, and earned three combat battle stars.
After leaving the Navy, Harvey began his career in the trucking industry as a diesel mechanic at Midstates in Clyde, Ohio, later relocating to the Akron area when it became Spector, and worked his way up to shift foreman. He retired from Yellow Freight in the early 90s.
His primary hobby was auto racing. In the late 60s and early 70s he owned and built a successful local short-track stock car, and also in the early to mid-70s became a fuel man for a 5-time USAC stock car champion during the championship seasons. Later, he drove the car hauler nationwide for two different pro stock drag racing teams over several seasons.
Harvey spent his later retirement years volunteering at Ellet Community Church of God, serving as a board member.
He was also active in the Korean War Veterans Association-Akron Chapter #138, where he was the sitting president/commander, bugler for the Salute Team, active with the 138 Honor Guard, and always there with a helping hand.
In addition to his parents, Harvey was preceded in death by his son, John Bradley Thorla.
Survivors include his wife, the former Margaret Ann Bramley; his son and daughter-in-law, William Harvey and Linda Thorla of Alexandria, VA; his grandchildren, Bradley William Thorla of Akron, Thomas John Thorla of Orlando, FL, and Karen Margaret Thorla of Brooklyn, NY; his two brothers, one sister, two brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Korean War Veterans Association, Akron Chapter 138 or the Ellet Community Church of God.
Funeral services will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 North Canton Road, Akron, on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM.
Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service on Saturday, as well as, 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Friday, July 28, 2017.
Harvey will be laid to rest at Hillside Memorial Park, Akron, Ohio.
He was born on April 17, 1933 in Lytelsburg, Ohio, the son of the late Ralph William and Alice Merle Walker Thorla.
Harvey was devoted to his loving wife, Margaret (Peggy), and his entire family.
He attended Canton McKinley High School prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He served four years active duty, primarily off the coast of N. Korea, and earned three combat battle stars.
After leaving the Navy, Harvey began his career in the trucking industry as a diesel mechanic at Midstates in Clyde, Ohio, later relocating to the Akron area when it became Spector, and worked his way up to shift foreman. He retired from Yellow Freight in the early 90s.
His primary hobby was auto racing. In the late 60s and early 70s he owned and built a successful local short-track stock car, and also in the early to mid-70s became a fuel man for a 5-time USAC stock car champion during the championship seasons. Later, he drove the car hauler nationwide for two different pro stock drag racing teams over several seasons.
Harvey spent his later retirement years volunteering at Ellet Community Church of God, serving as a board member.
He was also active in the Korean War Veterans Association-Akron Chapter #138, where he was the sitting president/commander, bugler for the Salute Team, active with the 138 Honor Guard, and always there with a helping hand.
In addition to his parents, Harvey was preceded in death by his son, John Bradley Thorla.
Survivors include his wife, the former Margaret Ann Bramley; his son and daughter-in-law, William Harvey and Linda Thorla of Alexandria, VA; his grandchildren, Bradley William Thorla of Akron, Thomas John Thorla of Orlando, FL, and Karen Margaret Thorla of Brooklyn, NY; his two brothers, one sister, two brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Korean War Veterans Association, Akron Chapter 138 or the Ellet Community Church of God.
Funeral services will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 North Canton Road, Akron, on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM.
Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service on Saturday, as well as, 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Friday, July 28, 2017.
Harvey will be laid to rest at Hillside Memorial Park, Akron, Ohio.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ralph Harvey Thorla, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, July 28, 2017
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
Service
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
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