Alan G. Thoday of Andover passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. He was 88 years of age. Born on September 24, 1933 in Bristol, England, Alan was the son of Leslie and Sarah Thoday. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Having been a child during World War II, Alan maintained a life-long passion for learning history of the war and had an extensive knowledge of battles, technology, and civilian life during that time. Alan told many stories of his own experiences during World War II, and how he and other children were evacuated to the English countryside.
Alan served in the Signal Corps of the British Army during which he was stationed in Egypt. Then he completed an apprenticeship with the British Telephone Company and studied to be an industrial engineer. He and his wife, Jane, were married in 1957 and they moved to Massachusetts shortly after their marriage. During the 1960s, Alan worked for the International Wool Secretariate in London, England and Chelmsford, MA. Alan’s work took him back and forth from England, and on international travels for many years, before settling in Andover, MA in 1968 with his family. His life was one of dedication, hard-work, and industriousness. He worked for Reid Meredith in Lawrence, MA and later co-owned National Fiber Technology in Lawrence until 2001 where they developed innovative textiles with four-way stretch used to create life-like faux furs for the entertainment industry. National Fiber Technology products were utilized for the creation of multiple TV and movie characters, such as Alf, Miss Piggy, and King Kong. After retiring, he worked part-time for the Faith Lutheran Church in Andover and became an active member in the church community.
Alan was a member of the Saint Matthew’s Masonic Lodge in Andover, MA. He loved researching old cinemas, double decker busses and British trams. As a great film enthusiast, he helped organize a Movie Club at Faith Lutheran Church. Alan loved spending time with family and friends and he was always up for a good conversation. He loved his family dearly, enjoying spending many afternoons with a cup of tea reminiscing about old times. Alan will be missed by all who knew him.
Alan is survived by his loving wife Jane (Farr) Thoday, of Andover, son, Paul Thoday, and his wife Heidi of Sterling, MA, and daughter, Nila, and her husband Thomas Doyle of Andover, MA. Alan leaves behind four grandchildren: Sara Doyle, Evan Doyle, Chad Thoday and Mitchell Thoday.
Family and friends will be invited to attend a funeral service in the Faith Lutheran Church, 360 Main Street, Andover on Sunday, May 15th at 1:00 PM with a reception to follow. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Burke Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 N. Main St., Andover. Online condolences may be shared at www.burkemagliozzi.com