Anthony THOMAS

WILLIAMSBURG - Anthony "Tony" Thomas of Williamsburg, Va., passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010, at the age of 78 after a long battle with cancer.
He was born March 4, 1932, in Youngstown, Ohio, a son of Palo and Francesca Ciamei DiTommaso (Thomas). He was a 1950 graduate of Rayen High School, Youngstown, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island in 1972, followed by a Master of Business Administration from Bryant University in 1975.
He was a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After serving in the military he was employed at General Electric in Syracuse, N.Y., for 10 years followed by a 25-year career at Raytheon in Portsmouth, R.I., from which he retired in 1992.
He was a resident of Portsmouth, R.I., for 30 years and a member of the Portsmouth School Committee from 1976 to 1978.
He is survived by his wife, Lena, whom he married Jan. 14, 1956; two daughters, Stephanie and Pauline; three sons, Wayne, Bruce and David and his wife, Jo-Ann; and three grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Daniel, Frank, James, Albert and John; and two sisters, Rose Ferrare and Viola DiTommaso.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd, Williamsburg, on Friday, Oct. 15, at 9 a.m. followed by interment in the St. Bede Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Blvd, Ste A102, Newport News, VA 23606 or to Hospice House, 4445 Powhatan Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.