WEST SPRINGFIELD – Richard S. Thomas, 87, a longtime resident of West Springfield and a winter resident of Boynton Beach, FL, was Called Safely Home on Friday, June 15, 2018. He passed into Eternal Life at the JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, FL surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Waterville, Maine on February 24, 1931, a beloved son of the late Elias P. Thomas and Margaret V. (Stevens) Thomas. Richard graduated from Sacred Heart Elementary School, Cathedral High School and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from American International College on August 8, 2013 at the age of 82. Richard was the former President of Richard S. Thomas Real Estate with offices in Massachusetts and Connecticut with over 80 employees. Ware Savings Bank and North Adams Hoosac Savings Bank appointed his firm to procure mortgages for them. Richard was first elected as a Hampden County Commissioner in 1972. He served with distinction and pride for 24 years and was one of the longest serving Commissioners and Chairman in the history of the 186 years of Hampden County. During his tenure, the Board built and dedicated the Hampden County Hall of Justice, the Chicopee Court House, the Palmer Court House, the Holyoke Court House and renovated the Housing Court in Springfield. Richard taught on the faculty of Holyoke Community College and was the Director of the Richard S. Thomas School of Real Estate. He was the recipient of the Chet Huntley “Make America Better” Award, served as President of the United Cerebral Palsy Association, Vice-President of the Better Business Bureau, Chairman of the Federal Emergency Finance Board, Chairman of the Education Department of the Springfield Board of Realtors, Chairman of the Ethics Committee of the Board of Realtors, Chairman of the Mount Tom Reservation, and a Campaign Advisor to U.S. Senator Mike Gravel in Alaska who was a former Presidential Candidate. Richard served as a speaker for the Honors Convocation Ceremony of Bay Path College, the University of Mass at Dartmouth, American International College and the Agawam Lions Club. In addition, he received the Service Award from the Wilbraham Rotary Club, the Service Award from Mayor Bill Sullivan and the Appreciation Award from Sheriff Michael J. Ashe, Jr. He was President of the Lebanese American Club, a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and published a book called “How to Settle Your Own Insurance Claim”. Active in his Catholic faith, he was a longtime communicant of Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Springfield. Above all, he was a wonderful man who loved his family, his community and his many loyal customers. In addition to his beloved parents, he was also predeceased by his loving son, Richard S. Thomas, Jr. who was Called Home on April 2, 1996; his two dear brothers, Norman E. Thomas who was Called Home on December 11, 2014 and Peter J. Thomas who was Called Home on July 15, 2010; and his dear brother-in-law, Dr. Naseer Aruri. He leaves his loving wife, soul mate and best friend, Barbara A. (Ghiz) Thomas. They were married at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Worcester on May 13, 1956 and were blessed with over 62 years of happiness together. He also leaves his three loving children, Cheryl A. Thomas of Jericho, VT, Gayle F. Thomas of West Springfield and Paul R. Thomas of Westfield; his eight cherished grandchildren, Steven, Heather and her husband, Tony, Michael, Emily, Megann, Elana, Natalie and Christina; his cherished great-grandson, Noah; his dear sister, Joyce Thomas Aruri of North Dartmouth, MA; his two dear sisters-in-law, Jane Thomas of Springfield and Gladys Thomas of Morganton, GA; his dear brother-in-law, Robert Ghiz of Worcester; his former daughter-in-law, Lina Whalen of Naples, FL; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Thomas, Ghiz and Stevens families. His funeral will be held on Saturday morning, June 30, 2018 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (funeral home will open at 9:30 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church, 375 Island Pond Road, Springfield, MA 01118. His Burial will be private at Saint Michael Cemetery in Springfield. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, June 29, 2018 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Richard S. Thomas, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church, 375 Island Pond Road, Springfield, MA 01118. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
