Shrewsbury – Joseph A. “Tony” Thomas, 84, a lifelong Shrewsbury resident and business owner, passed away at UMASS Medical Center surrounded by the ones he loved on Thursday, June 29.
He was born in Shrewsbury on December 1, 1938 one of seven children of Walter G. Thomas and Rose E. (Harpie) Thomas. Tony alongside his brother and his father worked for the family business, “Thomas Garage” which later became Thomas Auto Parts, which Tony ran with his brother, Sonny, and sons, Walter and JT.
Tony is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy J. (DiMauro)Thomas: three children, Walter and his wife, Sharyn, Joseph “JT” and his wife, Jill, and Marysa Popp and her husband Jason”Jay” all of Shrewsbury, seven grandchildren, Anthony, Samantha, Christina, Anna, Ava, Matthew, and Emily, two sisters Mary and her husband Wilfred Daniels, and Eva Dubuque; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Tony’s sisters Rita Najarian, Ann Paquette, Theresa Haire and his brother John “Sonny” Thomas predeceased him.
Tony was a former member of the Kiwanis club and the Worcester Dinners club. He served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He was a longtime Town Meeting member, and also served many years on the Finance Committee. He was a member of the Italian American Victory Club. He was a longtime member of St. Anne’s Parish. He loved spending time with his family at home or in Dennisport. He enjoyed going for coffee with his friends.
Visiting Hours are Wednesday, July 5 from 10:00am-12:00pm at St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd. with a Funeral Mass at 12:00pm in the church. Entombment will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne’s Human Services, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd., Shrewsbury, 01545.
Arrangements in the care of Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Directors of Worcester.
