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BORN
1951
DIED
2021
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William Thomas Obituary
Wilmington and Dewey Beach - Age 69, of Wilmington and Dewey Beach, Delaware, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 2, 2021.
Bill was a devoted husband, brother, and uncle. He is preceded in death by his parents, Aurella and Elias Thomas; his brother, Edward Thomas; his sisters, Patricia Holotanko and Maryann Cutone; and his niece, Bernadette Thomas.
Bill is survived by wife, Maria (nee Mandziuk) Thomas; his sister, Jean Thomas; as well as 7 nieces and one nephew.
Bill was raised in Wilmington, Delaware and attended Delcastle High School. His career started with employment as a dispatcher with the Delaware State Police. He became a police officer, and served as an officer with the Delaware City, Newport, Elsmere police departments. Lastly, Bill was employed at the Delaware River and Bay Authority, where he retired in 2011 as a court liaison officer with the DRBA and the Attorney General's office.
Bill was an active member of the Delaware Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 14, and was a trustee to the State FOP organization. He attended several State of Delaware local conventions as well as national conferences. Bill was a devoted member of the DAP (Delaware Association of Police) serving on the Board of Directors as a Sargeant at Arms.
Bill was very active with the volunteer fire service with the Minquas Fire Co. of Newport, where he achieved a life membership certificate of 50 years of service to the Department. Bill was a life member of the Elsmere Fire Co., serving as a board of director and the department Assistant Treasurer up until his death.
Bill was an avid beachgoer and enjoyed the beach scene. He and his wife, Maria enjoyed a beach home in Dewey Beach, where he was active in the Lions Club. He and Maria also enjoyed traveling to Florida and Mexico.
A viewing for Bill will be held on Wednesday, May 5, at Elsmere Fire Hall, 1107 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19805 from 6:00-8:00 pm. A Mass will be held on Thursday, May 6,at 10:00 am at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 800 West Lea Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19802. Interment will be in All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family asks contributions to be made in Bill's name to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church.
302.994.9614
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Memories and Condolences
for William Thomas
Sponsored by Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home - Wilmington.
Rich Weaver
May 6, 2021
Thoughts and Prayers are with Bill's family. He was a great guy.
Dan Daly
May 6, 2021
RIP Brother
From the 13th Municipal Academy Class
Tom Mitten
May 6, 2021
Dear Maria & Family,
My heartfelt condolences at this very sorrowful time. I didn't learn of Bill's passing until after his services were held. He was a true public servant, whose bellowing laugh was legendary. All those saddened by the loss of this good man are in my prayers. Rest easy, my friend.
Shirley (Brockson) Comegys
May 5, 2021
Dear Thomas Family,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. The Thomas Family holds a special place in my heart. Bill's parents were my God Parents and I loved them very much. I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Keeping your family in my prayers.
Al Megginson Jr.
May 5, 2021
We would like to send our condolences to the Thomas family
Rev. Volodymyr Klanichka
May 5, 2021
May Our Lord Jesus Christ be near you on this day and Bless you in His gracious way, and may each sympathetic prayer help easy the sorrow that you bear. May + Bill Rest In Peace and His memory be eternal!
Minquas Fire Company
May 5, 2021
Dear Maria, we are so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. Bill was a good guy and liked by all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Officers, Members and Auxiliary of the Minquas Fire Company
Terry Lynn Buchanan
May 5, 2021
Maria, So sorry to hear the news about Bill. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time, in my prayers. Terry Lynn
Patty & Mike
May 5, 2021
We were sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. Among his many attributes was Bill’s great sense of humor and his contagious laugh which will be remembered.
Rob & Leigh Miller
May 5, 2021
Maria, so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. May God bless you and your family.
Edward Pankowski
May 5, 2021
R.I.P. my friend.... May Peace be with you and your Family
Pam Barrett
May 4, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dottie Manuel
May 4, 2021
Maria and family, So very sorry for your loss. May Bill rest in peace. Praying for you. Dottie Geist Manuel
Robert E. Lee. (Bobby)
May 3, 2021
My Deepest Condolences go out to Maria and Family in this time of Great sadness Billy and Maria were Great Old Friends. May God Bless Maria and Family.
D Butcher
May 3, 2021
To the Thomas Family,
My heartfelt condolences to you. Bill or "Wet" as I know him was a great guy. Bill always kept everyone laughing. Although, its been many years..it seems like yesterday..he was and will always be that great guy..
Ann Hallstrom
May 3, 2021
Dear, Maria,
When I heard about Bill my mind was filled with so many good memories of all our times together. Know that my prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. Love, Ann
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Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home - Wilmington1400 Kirkwood Highway Elsmere, Wilmington, DE 19805
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