Shrewsbury – Richard V. Thomas, of Shrewsbury, died Thursday, June 20, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was 84.
Richard, lovingly known to family and friends as “Dick,” was born May 27, 1929, one of three children of the late John & Wilhemina (Korvola) Tuomola. Raised and educated in Floral Park, New York, he graduated from Sewanaka High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country in the Corp of Engineers during the Korean Conflict. Following the war Dick went back to school and graduated from Alfred University class of 1956 with a degree in Ceramic Engineering. While at Alfred University, he was member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He married Dorbert A. Hughes June 29, 1957.
Dick came to the Worcester area in 1957 and worked at the Norton Company in his trade for many years, as well as American Optical and Scully Signals, from which he retired from in 1998. He was a member of the American Ceramic Society during his career.
His favorite time of year was spring as he anxiously looked forward to working in his yard and around the house. Despite his New York roots, Dick was a loyal fan of both the Red Sox and the Patriots, and was a member of the Greendale Men's Club. He had a keen interest in history, especially the Civil War era, and enjoyed membership in the Shrewsbury Historical Society.
In addition to his wife of 56 years, Dorby, he leaves his children, Cynthia Kazmac and her husband Christopher of Fair Haven, New Jersey and Gregory S. Thomas of New York, New York; his only granddaughter, Kelsey; a brother, Robert Thomas of Hudson, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews, as well as cousins in Finland. He was predeceased by his sister, Sylvia Cullen.
Family and friends will honor and remember Dick's life by gathering for calling hours Tuesday, June 25, from 4 to 7 p.m., in Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, and again Wednesday, June 26, where his funeral service will be celebrated in the Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 34 Prospect St., Shrewsbury, at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Andrew Heisen will officiate. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery.
Honor Dick's memory with a donation to the Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 34 Prospect St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
