Mr. Thielens graduated from West Philadelphia High School. During World War II, he served in the Navy in the Pacific. After his discharge, he earned a bachelor's degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

He worked for several area insurance agencies, including for 35 years for Lincoln Financial Life Insurance Co. in Philadelphia and later in Wayne.

After retiring in 2000, Mr. Thielens volunteered in the pre-op department at Bryn Mawr Hospital. The patients and staff loved him, said his wife, Mary Louise "Dev" McDevitt Thielens. "He had a quick wit and always had a joke," she said.

He and his wife met on a blind date and married in 1952. Mr. Thielens, a rower in his youth, kept up a membership with the University Barge Club. He also stayed friends with members of the Rosemont Rollicks, an amateur theatrical group with which he performed in the 1960s. He was a member of Martin's Dam Swim Club in Wayne.

Mr. Thielens enjoyed reading mysteries, gardening, tennis, and annual family vacations to Hilton Head Island, S.C.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Ted; daughters Lori Horning and Amy Buck; and seven grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 7 at St. Thomas of Villanova Roman Catholic Church on the Villanova University campus. Friends may call at 8:30 a.m.

Donations may be made to Bryn Mawr Hospital Foundation, 130 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, Pa. 19010.