Obituaries: John C. Thomas, Former Norfolk Teacher, Wrentham Assistant Recreation Director

(From RJ Ross Funeral Home)

John C. “Jack” Thomas, 66, of North Haledon, NJ for the past three years and a former longtime Stonybrook Lane, Wrentham resident, died Wednesday after being suddenly stricken ill while playing golf at Stony Lea Golf Club in Brockton. He was the beloved husband of 44 years to Gail (Ready) Thomas who he married Jan. 18, 1969.

Born in Kingston, Penn. on Oct. 29, 1946, he was a loving son of the late Wilbert E. and Marian (Tyler) Thomas. 

He was a graduate of Lucerne High School in Lucerne, CA, Long Island University in Brooklyn, N.Y., and earned his Master’s in Education from Bridgewater State University. 

An elementary school teacher in Norfolk Public Schools, he invested of himself deeply into all areas of growth and development for local youth.  For many years he was the assistant recreation director for the Town of Wrentham.  

He served the town on the Wrentham Recreation Committee, and had been active coaching King Philip Regional School girls' softball, boys' soccer, and girls' and boys' basketball. He had also coached Wrentham Little League.

He and his family had been active members of Trinity Episcopal Church for 35 years.

Jack was a great role model for all who were taught and coached by him, and a wonderful husband and dad to his wife and two children. “Jack” was considered by all to be a “great guy.” He and his wife, Gail, had moved to New Jersey after his retirement in order for him to exert the same positive influence on his grandchildren and to be near his children as well.

In addition to his wife he leaves his dear children, Brian C. Thomas of Holtsville, NY, and Nicole M. DiMasi of Wycoff, NJ, brothers, Will Thomas of FL, and David Thomas of TN, and sisters, Marian Lloyd of CA, Margaret “Peggy” McConoughy  of OR, and Carol Kohler of NC. He was the devoted grandfather of Sean and Samantha Thomas, and Julia, Braddock, and Griffin DiMasi

Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the RJ Ross Funeral Home, 135 South St., Route 1A, Wrentham Centre, on Sunday from 1-5 p.m..  His funeral service will be on Monday, July 22, at 10 a.m. Donations in his memory may be made to Wrentham Recreation, 79 South Street, Wrentham, MA 02093, Attention: Jeff Plympton.                            .