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Alfred Thomas Obituary
Dr. Thomas was born Nov. 7, 1930, in Reading, to the Rev. Dr. Alfred J. and Adella Krupp Thomas.
He lived the first 13 years of his life in Baltimore, before moving to Lockhaven. He spent his boyhood summers at the family cottage in Central Oak Heights.
He graduated from Lockhaven High School, having skipped a grade and ranking as one of the youngest Boy Scouts at that time to have reached Eagle Scout status.
He served in the Navy, where he was the editor-in-chief of the Navy newspaper.
After his tour in the Navy, he earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from Albright College and a master's degree and Ph.D. from Penn State University.
He began his teaching career at Lycoming College. His next teaching position was at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he met his wife, Zenta. They married in 1958.
Following his time at the University of Wisconsin, he taught at Penn State University, State College, where they lived as newlyweds. Alfred and Zenta moved to Reading in 1960, where they raised their family.
Alfred was employed as a professor of American literature at Kutztown University, where he coached the power-lifting team. The team won the national championships for two years.
Dr. Thomas wrote for Iron Game History, Strength and Health, Iron Man, Muscular Development and various other health-oriented publications, and was highly regarded in the world of strength training.
Considered somewhat of a maverick for his time, he was one of the early proponents of strength training for sports, longevity, power and overall health. He created the first weight training program for the Penn State football team.
He retired from teaching and moved to Ocean City full time in 1991, where he continued his writing and research in the field of strength training with an added focus on natural and alternative healing.
Dr. Thomas lived his life with great passion and purpose and his strength of mind, body and soul were an inspiration to all who knew him. Beyond his pursuit of strength training, he also will be remembered for his lifelong love affair with words and ideas, and his relentless commitment to social issues and the fight for the underdog.
In addition to his wife of 50 years, Zenta Laimdota Thomas, he is survived by his sister, Ruthanne Hersh, Allentown; his daughter and son- in-law, Zenta and Curt Crane, Mount Laurel, N.J.; and daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Jim Buxbaum, Bethesda, Md.; and grandchildren: Samantha Kate Buxbaum, Elizabeth Lee Buxbaum and Jessica Avery Buxbaum.
A service of memory and love will be offered May 2 at 1 p.m. in Union Chapel By-the-Sea Church, 55th Street at Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, where friends may call from noon until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in Alfred's name be made to Holy Redeemer Hospice, c/o Mcleod Carre, 1801 Route 9 North, Swainton, NJ 08210, payable to Holy Redeemer Homecare, or to the Weston A. Price Foundation, PMB 106-380, 4200 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington DC 20016, payable to Weston A. Price Foundation. For more information, see www.westonaprice.org. Please include Alfred Thomas in the notation for donations to either organization. The Godfrey Funeral Home, Ocean City, is in charge of arrangements. To e-mail or view condolences, visit www. godfreyfuneralhome.com or www.dralthomas.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alfred Thomas
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Judy Mitchell
November 24, 2008
As I finally attempt this entry in Al's honor, I am reminded of something he said to his students when I was one of them. Of course after more than twenty-five years, I am paraphrasing. The desire to write, he said, burns brightly until whatever it is you attempt to say, you realize someone else has already said it and said it better. I feel that way about Al's obituary and the other comments made about him on this site. I can only add that I came to know Al during an important developmental period of my life. He was the presence that always reflected back to me the positive image of myself that I needed to internalize. He was the voice that I needed to hear that assured me I could do whatever I wanted to do in life. I valued his friendship tremendously and miss just knowing that he was there living his life. He was a good man in every way.
John DeSalvo
July 1, 2008
Al,
I'm so sorry we never got the chance to have that cigar together. I will never forget you, and the way you have changed my life. My sister tells me they have a bench in your honor on the boardwalk in OC. I'm thinking when I find out where I'm going to sit there, and look out at the ocean, and finally have that cigar with you. You were a great man who I will NEVER forget. I love you, and your legacy will forever live on. You have touched so many peoples lives, and I can only hope to someday become half the man you were. I miss you....
P.S. Hope I did well on the grammar !!
Bob Judy Emma and Sarah Schachner
April 30, 2008
Our thoughts are with you.
Carol Kalinoski
April 30, 2008
I first met Dr. Thomas when I was enrolled in freshman English at Kutztown State College. What a guy!
I remember how he challenged, if not shook, many of our teen-age assumptions about the world, especially those of us who came from sheltered small towns to attend college. Dr. Thomas at the time had a big muscular build, but I remember when he entered the Kutztown college auditorium where the large freshman English class was held, he was like a rush of fresh air, and so knowledgeable yet entertaining for his first year English students.
Later, I came to know him on a more personal level when I became an au pair for his daughters, and companion to his wife, Zenta. I stayed with his family when he was away from his book-filled home on Klein Avenue finishing his doctoral studies. Spending that time with Zenta, the girls, and Dr. Thomas (when he visited) was a very rewarding and enriching period in my life. And I can remember those wonderful conversations we had together after the girls went to bed!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Jared McIver
April 28, 2008
Not many people touch my heart and grab my favor like Al did. He was the epitome of what I strive to be- smart, strong and positive. His attitude was ideal, and his energy was contagious.
I am going to miss him...
Mary Ellen Graybill
April 25, 2008
My cousin Al Thomas kept alive the memories of the little town of Newberry, in Williamsport, Pa all the days of his life, whenever he talked with me, or wrote me. I have no doubt that the characters he met growing up in Baltimore, Lockhaven and in Williamsport, Pa where he spent many happy days at the old oak table of Jesse and Kate Thomas, our grandparents - these wonderful relatives and neighbors of his childhood helped create Al Thomas the professor of English who has touched so many lives, as he said once, "Out-of-time". He could take the events of life and make literature, a rarity in the world even of professors. I will miss him very much.
Chrissie Greatrex
April 24, 2008
Z, I didn't spend a lot of time with Al, but the time spent was unforgettable. People have written such wonderful things about him. What I know for sure is he raised one heck of a daughter. Thinking of you and your family.With much love from ours.
Robert Schadt
April 24, 2008
Virtually a life-long friend, compassionate, understanding, with a love for his earthly brothers and sisters. I rejoice in his everlasting happiness, for his eyes have seen God.
Gary Lutz
April 23, 2008
I have never met anyone else even remotely like Al Thomas. As a professor, he was thrillingly brilliant and uncommonly dedicated: he typed his comments on students’ papers, and the comments were always amazingly thorough and incisive. As a friend, he was a deep-hearted, infinitely curious, touchingly generous man. There was a purity about him that I’ve never encountered in anybody else. I will miss him very much.
George Manning
April 23, 2008
Zenta, I am sorry to hear of your loss.I will keep you in my prayers.
Eileen (Brendle) Mohr
April 23, 2008
Zenta,
It is a very difficlut time for you and your family but you have many fond memories of your father that will stay in your heart forever.
Eileen Walsh
April 23, 2008
Dr. Thomas was such a unique individual. Although my memories of him take me to places and events that we shared, the most vivid memory I have of him is how he made me feel. Dr. Thomas believed in youth - he believed we could and would make a difference in this world. He made me feel confident about myself, despite the fact that I had no idea what I wanted to do at the young age of 18. He made me feel good about myself, despite the fact that the owner/chef at the Varsity Inn thought I was utterly useless, again at the young age of 18. He made me feel that whatever and however I chose to contribute to society, I would make a difference, I would be a good citizen, I would be alright. He believed in me and that helped me believe in myself. My only hope is I can inspire the youth of today to the extent he inspired me. He will be missed, but he will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy and love to you all. Eileen
Lisa Clark
April 22, 2008
Al was like no one I've ever met and his loss will have a profound effect on many. It's hard to put into words what the time I spent talking to him means to me. His intelligence commanded respect, but he shared information in humble way. Al always listened keenly and I valued his opinions. I will miss his humor and warmth tremendously.
Angela Menzen
April 22, 2008
We never had the privilege of meeting Al. However, if the way his daughter Zenta spoke of him is any indication of the type of man he was, then we missed out on knowing a truly great man. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
Angela Menzen & Josh Daisy
carolyn fernandez
April 22, 2008
Dear Zenta,
I still miss our movie sundays with your dad, lorraine and denise. I think of them often and was so saddened to hear of his passing. But I am comforted as I read all the amazing tributes to his life clearly his spirit lives on in everyone whose life he touched......I hope that brings you and your family some comfort as well
My deepest sympathy
Kathy and Rich Viscusi
April 22, 2008
Zenta and family,
Our positive thoughts and prayers are with you. Al's presence down the shore will be sadly missed, tanning out back, the typing we could hear, knowing he was hard at work and our conversations always far from dull. His knowledge and unique personality always kept us informed. We knew Al in a different sense of mind, away from work and we enjoyed his zest for life. He always had a interesting story to tell and knew every detail.
We will surely miss him.
The Viscusi's
Robert Arner
April 21, 2008
Al Thomas inspired me to become an English professor. Next to my father, he was the most influential man in my life and a man I am proud to have called a friend. I will miss his wit and wisdom, his irreverent sense of humor, his way of deflating my pomposities with a gentle irony.
Joe Roark
April 20, 2008
Ironhistory has lost one of its more fluent apologists. Al was among the first batch of modern writers to support women in the lifting and bodybuilding fields, to offer them equal billing and some page space in the magazines. A wonderful and kind man has left us. Rest in well deserved peace, my friend.
Jennifer (Ziegler) Eisenhard
April 20, 2008
Zenta, Zenta Marie, Mandy - I am very sorry see that Alf has passed away. I have many fond memories of his visits and visiting your home as well. He was a very interesting man and will be missed very much. You all will continue to be in my thoughts.
Ingrid Fake
April 20, 2008
More than twenty years after taking Dr. Alfred Thomas’ awe-inspiring, American literature class at Kutztown University, I still reminisce about those times in class when he replied to the subject matter of our papers by writing his famous “So What?” question. Hours were poured into the production of his inventive writing assignments to steer clear of being the recipient of that “So What?” question. His humorous, affectionate, and uncomplicated interrogation of our writing served as a powerful metaphor to get ready for life’s challenges. Dr. Thomas set a high standard for his students at Kutztown University and was a passionate educator. His ability to spin his zeal for teaching the subject of literature into his vignettes centering on his personal account of the daily, American scene created a nonconformist, academic experience that I esteemed. Thanks, Dr. Thomas. I will always remember you.
Ingrid Fake (Reading, PA)
Marianne (Reigle) Jurney
April 20, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Thomas' passing. I had taken one of Dr. Thomas' English courses at Kutztown during my freshman year - he was certainly one of the most impressive educators of my college career. I wish his family much peace during this time of mourning. My prayers weill be with you.
Kathryn Burak
April 20, 2008
One of the finest teachers and men I ever knew. I was so glad to have shared so much of my happiness with Dr. Thomas and Zenta--wedding, babies, so many happy times. You were always my inspiration. I miss you, Al. Many condolences to Zenta and the family. I deeply understand your loss.
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