Peter Thomas

Peter Thomas, formerly of Newark, N.J., and resident of Hearthstone Assisted Living in Reading, went to be with his Lord and

Savior on October 10, 2016, peacefully in his sleep at St. Joseph's Hospital in Reading, Pa.

Peter was the loving and devoted husband of the late Frederica Thomas. Born in Biddeford, Maine, and raised in Newark N.J., he was the devoted son of the late John and Pota Thomas.

Peter served in the Navy during WWII. Upon return, he received a degree from Bloomfield College and then served as a Newark Police Officer until his retirement in 1983.

He will be remembered for his many decades of support for Essex Catholic and St. Benedicts Prep HS wrestling, and his favorite saying when he thought opponents were

stalling, "He's sucking wind."

Peter leaves behind his loving son, John K. Thomas,

husband of Angela, of Pine Brook N.J.; daughter, Ericka Thomas-Ernst, wife of Kevin Ernst, of Fleetwood, Pa.; and his loving sister, Mary Marolakos, of Newark N.J.;  7 grandchildren: Michelle Thomas, Austin Ernst,

Zachary Ernst, Alexis Thomas, Marcus Ernst, Peter

Thomas and Gianna Ernst; 1 great-grandchild, Capri

Fitzgerald.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Peter Thomas to the charity of your choice.

A celebration of Peter's life will take place on Sunday,

October 23, 2016, at 4:30 p.m. at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, 1110 Snyder Road, West Lawn, Pa., with Pastor Eric Goldsborough officiating. Friends may call at the church from 2:00 to 4:30.

Peter will receive a military burial on Monday, October 24, 2016, from Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Meet at the Cemetery for 11:00 a.m.

Feel free to express online condolences at www.stantonfuneral.com. Stanton Funeral Home & Cremation Service Inc., Honey Brook, has been entrusted with the service.