Obituary of C. Philip Thorsell

C. Philip Thorsell, 93, formerly of Bemus Point, passed away Saturday, October 16, 2021 at the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center. Philip Thorsell's life was dedicated to his Lord, family and work. Born in Jamestown, NY on October 23, 1927 to the late Arvid and Martha Thorsell, he attended Jamestown High School and graduated in 1946. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant in Army Corps of Engineer in France for a year. He was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati where he earned a bachelor's degree in Architecture. After receiving his license in 1971, he started his career with Julian Naetzker and became a partner in the firm Naetzker & Thorsell Architects. He was later a founding partner of Habiterra Associates Architects and Engineers and was a member of both the American Institute of Architects and Guild of Church Architects. Philip Thorsell was an architect in Chautauqua County and the state of New York and Pennsylvania for over 50 years and designed more than 17 local school buildings and 15 nursing homes, in addition to other facilities throughout the state. Notably some of the buildings he designed were WCA Hospital, buildings at Jamestown Community College, the Mayville Courthouse, and numerous nursing homes and churches throughout New York and Pennsylvania. He retired from Habiterra Associates in 1986 and continued designing on his own until he was 88. His faith and the church were an important part of his life. He was a Charter member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Bemus Point. He designed the church building at St. Timothy's and was a member of the board. He was also a charter member of Christ Lutheran LCMC Church. His love of music was present throughout his life where it started in the A Cappella Choir in high school and continued with church choirs all his life, singing solos for numerous weddings and church services. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for his sense humor by his family and friends. Philip is survived by wife, Lorraine, and five children, Steven (Valerie) Thorsell, Diane (Robert) Langendorfer, Daniel (Lorraine) Thorsell, Kristine Holmes, and Ingrid (Kenneth) Hill. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: David (Christine) Van Ness, Aleda (Devin) Burch, Ian Thorsell, Krista Thorsell, Isaac (Amy) Haselwood, Kacie (Robert) Hetrick, Kourtney (Eric) Shuman, and Archer Hill; and five great grandchildren: Kolin Hall, Alexis Hall, Caroline Hetrick, Landry Burch, and Torrin Burch; as well as a niece, Martha (Lee) Bookout. In addition to his parents, Arvid and Martha, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ethel (Paul) Swan, and a nephew, James Swan. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 21st in Christ Lutheran LCMC Church, 3012 Route 430, Jamestown, led by Pastor Bob Benson. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service, from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday in the church. Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran LCMC Church, 3012 Route 430, Jamestown, NY 14701.