Ferdinand Joseph Thurwanger, III

Ferdinand Joseph Thurwanger III “Joe“, 91 of Springfield, Delaware County, passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2023 surrounded by his family. 

Joe was the son of the late Ferdinand and Florence (Gorman) Thurwanger of the Mayfair section of Philadelphia. He graduated from North Catholic High School. He served in both the Navy and Army Reserves.

In younger days, he was a boy scout, war time paper boy, and a Torresdale-Frankford Country Club caddy. He was known to take an occasional bi-plane ride around the neighborhood with buddies from the local airport.

He started his working career as an X-Ray technician for General Electric. While attending night classes at Drexel University he then started working for General Electric’s Switchgear Division in West Philadelphia as a draftsman. From there, he found an opportunity and started working for Technical Development Company (TEDECO)/ Eaton Aerospace in Glenolden as a mechanical engineer, progressing to Manager of Engineering at the time of his retirement.

He was a member of St Francis Parish since moving to Springfield in 1965. He belonged to the Springfield Swim Club. In the summers, besides enjoying the pool, he could be seen with his wife, Ann, at nearby Rose Tree Park enjoying the open space, and attending the evening concerts. He also enjoyed going to Sea Isle with family. On Sundays he enjoyed taking long walks to Ridley Creek State Park and then back home to simply observe and enjoy nature. He was an avid investor who read constantly. In early fatherhood Sundays, he would enjoy making family dinners from scratch while listening to the radio – a trait that rubbed off on some of his kids.

Predeceased by his loving wife, Anna Mae (O’Reilly) Thurwanger. They were married for 70 years. They first met at an 8th grade dance. Joe was predeceased by his sister, Mary Thurwanger.

Loving father of Joseph G. (Judith), Mark P. (Suzanne) and Gary J. (Madeline) Thurwanger; cherished grandfather of Kevin, Bryan, and Christine Thurwanger, Jeremy (Denise) Gayser, Gary, Madeline, Sara and Jack Thurwanger. Great grandfather to Brianna and Sophia Gayser.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Tuesday May 30, 9:30A.M. St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 136 Saxer Ave., Springfield, PA 19064, and to his ensuing Funeral Mass  10:30A.M in the Church. Int. SS Peter & Paul Cemetery. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105

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