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William E. "Bill" Thomas

1951 - 2021

BORN

1951

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home - Wilmington

1400 Kirkwood Highway Elsmere

Wilmington, Delaware

William Thomas Obituary

William E. "Bill" Thomas

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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News Journal from May 3 to May 5, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for William Thomas

Sponsored by Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home - Wilmington.

Not sure what to say?





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

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

Make a Donation
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Memorial Events
for William Thomas

May

5

Viewing

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Elsmere Fire Hall

1107 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE

May

6

Service

10:00 a.m.

St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church

800 West Lea Blvd, Wilmington, DE

Funeral services provided by:

Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home - Wilmington

1400 Kirkwood Highway Elsmere, Wilmington, DE 19805

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