FAIRHAVEN — Arthur Thomas, 86, of New Bedford died Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at Alden Court Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was the husband of Lillian (Mello) Thomas.
A lifelong resident of New Bedford, he was the son of the late Joseph and Maria (Prazeres) Thomas. He was a graduate of New Bedford High School.
He was a communicant of the Church of the Holy Name of the Sacred Heart
He served in the Navy during World War II, and was the recipient of the American Theatre Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal and one star, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Following service to his country, he became employed at the Wilson Chapel and graduated from the Boston School of Embalming and Funeral Directing, and was employed by the Wilson firm for 54 years until his retirement.
Mr. Thomas was a former member of the New Bedford Stamp Club.
Survivors include his widow; a daughter, Diane Lobo and her husband, Charles, of East Taunton; two sons, Michael Thomas and his wife, Rachel, of Fairhaven, and Robert Thomas of Arvada, Colo.; a sister, Adeline Cruz of Stroudsburg, Pa.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
His funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 17, 2006, in the Church of the Holy Name of the Sacred Heart with burial to follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, Ma. Flowers are welcome or remembrances may be made in his name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.