Ferdinand Thun
Ferdinand Thun died on July 30, 2023, at his home in Crosslands Community, Kennett Square, PA, after bravely facing a threemonth illness. He was 89 years old.
Born in Reading, PA, Ferd was the son of Ferdinand K. Thun and Marion Greene Thun. He pursued his education graduating from Wyomissing
High School, Lehigh University, and
Harvard Business School, laying the groundwork for an impactful career.
With over 20 years of dedicated service, Ferd made significant contributions to Lehigh University as the Director of Planned Giving in the Office of Development. His commitment of education and philanthropy knew no bounds, as evidenced by his establishment of The Ferdinand and Elizabeth M. Thun Scholarship and the Thun and Janssen Memorial Scholarship at Lehigh, providing invaluable support to first-generation U.S. citizens from immigrant families, regardless of their country of origin. Additionally, he created the Ferdinand Thun
'56 Chair in Family Business, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of students. Beyond his academic achievements, Ferd played a pivotal role as the president of the extended Thun family business, effectively overseeing the liquidation of the Thun Investment Company, a family enterprise specializing in real estate and investment management.
Ferd's impact extended to the community, where he generously served on the Boards of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, the Wildlands Conservancy, and held the title of Emeritus Director of the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, PA, at the time of his death. His passion for preserving nature and wildlife was important.
An ardent lover of the outdoors, Ferd found solace and joy in the waters. He was enthusiastic about canoeing and fly fishing, and his heart was never happier than when he sailed on his cherished sailboat, Great Eagle.
Ferd's love of his family were evident throughout his life. He leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth, his brother Peter, a niece, Kirsten Dunn, and two nephews, Eric Thun and Christopher Thun, along with seven grandnieces and a grandnephew. In his final years, Ella, his loyal and beloved dog, remained his constant companion and soulmate. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Katrina Thun.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday,
August 19, 2023, 2 pm at Crosslands, 1660 E. Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to honor Ferdinand's memory to the Ferdinand Thun '56 Chair in Family Business at Lehigh University (306 S. New St., Suite 500, Bethlehem, PA 18015) or The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (1700 Hawk Mountain Rd., Kempton, PA 19529), reflecting his dedication to education and environmental conservation. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. Oxford, PA. On-line condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.