Obituary of Roy Thorstensen

Roy H. Thorstensen, a retired Burlington Police Officer, passed away at the Winchester Hospital on Tuesday evening, January 4, 2011. The husband of the late Marie (Corbett) he was 86 years old. Roy was born in East Boston. He was the son of the late Oscar and Martha Thorstensen. Roy’s family moved from East Boston to Burlington when he was 7 years old. Roy was a veteran of World War II serving his country in the United States Navy. Roy enlisted into the United States Navy on February 19, 1942 during his Junior Year at Burlington High School. He was assigned to the USS Indiana, A South Dakota Class battleship, and stayed with her in the Pacific for 38 months, through bombardments, repelling air attacks, and surface combat. They went into combat 20 times. While serving in the Navy his job was to call command to the crew of the ship with the boatswain call using a bosom whistle. Roy was the recipient of the American Area Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon with 13 bronze stars. Roy was very proud of his service in the Navy and was very active in the Town of Burlington participating in many of the Veterans Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies throughout the years. On November 11, 2000 Roy and 10 other veterans were presented their High School Diploma as part of Burlington’ Veterans Service Operation Recognition Ceremony. Roy became a member of the Burlington Police Force in 1959 retiring in 1980. He was the town’s first Safety Officer and Dive Team. Roy had a passion for sailing. He owned a 40 Bristol sailboat called the ROMALYER. He would sail up and down the coast of New England. The family shared many adventures and lasting memories aboard the ROMALYER. Roy was a talented artist and painter. He exhibited his artwork at shows at the Burlington Public Library and shared his artwork with his family and friends. He also used his artistic talent as a sign painter and paint custom automobile graphics and lettering. He painted the graphics for Burlington’s police cruisers, fire engines, and many local businesses throughout the town. Roy will be remembered for his service to his country and community, his outgoing personality and devotion to his family. Roy was the beloved husband of the late Marie (Corbett) Thorstensen. He was the loving father of Lynn Harrington & her husband James Harrington, Jr. of Denmark, ME and Eric Thorstensen & his wife Christine of Billerica. He was the brother of Thelma Mikoluk of Woburn and the late Arthur Thorstensen. He was the proud grandfather of Lauren Prince, Kara Thorstensen, Steven and Patrick Harrington. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Friday Jan. 7 from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Followed by Funeral Services at 3:00 p.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private. Memorials in Roy’s name may be made to People Helping People, PO Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803.