Charles Thurston

Charles Daniel “Dan” Thurston, age 93, passed away peacefully at his home in St. Johnsbury, VT, on Sunday, December 28, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Dan was born in Whitefield, NH, on July 31, 1932, first born to his parents, Charles Owen Thurston and Isabella Jesse (Hall). The young family moved to St Johnsbury in 1933 where it continued to grow as Dan soon welcomed siblings Beverly, William “Bill”,and Ernest “Ernie”.

Soon after graduating from St Johnsbury Academy, Class of 1950, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served 4 years before receiving an honorable discharge. Dan then returned to the Green Mountain State and enrolled at the University of Vermont, using the GI Bill to help pay for his education. While at UVM, he met and courted Roberta “Bobbye” Belle Grant and they were married on November 23, 1956. Dan & Bobbye eventually settled in St. Johnsbury where they raised their five children.

Dan landed his first paid teaching position (Math & Science) in the fall of 1960 at McIndoes Academy in McIndoe Falls, VT. He began his coaching career there coaching Varsity Boys Basketball 1960-1963 and again 1964-1966. In the 1963-64 season, he coached Varsity Girls Basketball leading them to the Class “S” State Championship. He also coached Varsity Baseball at McIndoes, winning a State Championship in that sport as well.

Dan joined the faculty at St Johnsbury Academy in the fall of 1966, where he taught Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry & Calculus for some 40+ years. He served as Math Department Chairman for several years in the mid to late 1980’s. “Mr. Thurston” (as many former student always and forever called him) is well remembered for his time in the classroom as an inspiring teacher, believing in his students and their ability to learn challenging material. He expected homework to be completed on time and the students full attention during class time. As the years passed, he took on the role of mentor to younger teachers, providing insight and encouragement as they learned to handle classroom dynamics and to master effective teaching methods.

Dan was involved in many of the athletic programs at the Academy. Throughout the years, he excelled as a coach, teacher, mentor, referee, umpire, scorekeeper, announcer, spectator and sports fan extraordinaire! In his 15 years coaching Varsity Basketball, his teams won 189 games. The crowning achievement as a coach came during his time as Head Coach of the Varsity Girls Basketball at STJA from 1980-1987, winning state titles in ‘81, ‘82, ‘84, and ‘85. He is a member of the Vermont Principals Association Hall of Fame and the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Renowned for his strict nature, roaring voice and lack of tolerance for sleeping students in class, Dan drew people to him with his quick wit, a great sense of humor, and genuine love for young people. He developed close, ongoing friendships with many of his former students and student athletes as they took on life beyond high school. Countless former students sought him out later in their lives to thank him for being the “tough choices” strong arm that they needed in high school.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Isabella, brother Bill and sister-in-law Bonnie, brother-in-law Raymond Blake, and granddaughter Danielle Hefferan. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Bobbye; his son Steve and daughter-in-law Sandie, and grandson Charlie; his son Doug and daughter-in-law Karen, grandsons Derek, Kyle, and Davis, and granddaughter Kelsey, her husband Ben Wheeler, and great-grandsons Owen, Ethan, Caleb, Noah, and Wesley; his son Terence and grandson Sam, his wife Emma, and grandson Ben; his daughter Jennifer, her husband Rich Hefferan, granddaughter Rachel, and great-grandsons Jameson and Riley, granddaughter Colleen and her husband Brice, and great-granddaughter Louise, and grandson Richie; his daughter Kathleen and her husband Mike Johnston.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer St., St. Johnsbury, VT. Calling Hours 12:00p-1:00p. Funeral Service will be at 1:00pm. Family and Friends Gathering to follow the service at the American Legion, 12 Maple Street, St. Johnsbury.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Johnsbury History and Heritage Center, where Dan enjoyed time in service as a volunteer. You can donate by going to their website: www.stjhistory.org or by mail to St. Johnsbury History and Heritage Center, 421 Summer St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

Memories and condolences may be shared with family at saylesfh.com.