Obituary of Thor Stene
Thor Stene, of Rockaway, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 29, 2018 at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville. He was 94.
Born in Vikebygd, Norway, he was one of 14 children. While in Norway, he proudly served his country during WWII as a Norwegian Merchant Seaman. Thor came to the United States in the 1940’s and worked as a civilian with the United States Navy for the Military Sea Transportation Service as an Engineer. He worked hard and was able to achieve the position of Chief Engineer. This career allowed Thor to travel all over the world to every continent and many countries including Germany, Russia, Vietnam, and Cuba. The adventures that he experienced during his career included spending several months in Antarctica while participating in Operation Deep Freeze; the evacuation of civilians from Guantanamo Bay during the Cuban missile crisis; and regular runs to Vietnam during the Vietnam War to deliver supplies to the troops.
Thor was a special and amazing man, husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was a lifetime member of the Sons of Norway and a member of the Masonic Livingston Lodge #11 and Association of Shrine Oriental Bands of North America. Thor was also an avid bowler. He will be sorely missed and forever treasured and remembered in our hearts.
Left to continue his legacy of love and hard work are is his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Gladys; his adored daughters, Wendy (the late James) Shibla of Allentown, PA and Valerie Usher of Rockaway; his cherished grandchildren, Mark (Samantha) Shibla of Northampton PA; his treasured great-son, Ashton; and his loving nieces, Carol Zwerenz and Jeannie Mason.
Public Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 6th at Norman Dean Home for Services from 10:30 – 12:30 with Funeral Service beginning at 12:30 pm. Burial will follow at Marcella Union Cemetery, Rockaway. Please leave a condolence and special memory for his family.
