Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Allen Thomas Obituary
As a head football coach for 25 years at Seneca Valley, Damascus and Sherwood high schools, Thomas had an 84% career winning record and made 12 state championship appearances. He trained and mentored 21 assistants who became head football coaches.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sally; his children Andi Thomas Bernat and Marc K. Thomas; daughter-in-law Christina Mancuso Thomas; his grandsons, Brett Allen Thomas, John Allen Bernat, Thomas Peter Bernat, and Tyler Michael Thomas.
A memorial service and celebration of Thomas' life will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Calvary United Methodist Church in Mt. Airy, MD. All are invited to gather to share memories following the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Allen Thomas
Sponsored by Roy W. Barber Funeral Home.
Ron Lent
December 23, 2021
Al was everything they say and more. He gave much more than he ever received. Those whose lives he touched are so much better for it. And through it all,
no matter all the recognition, he was always the same man.
Always a leader of men, and wearer of the largest strap. Big Al!
Terry Wansor
December 24, 2019
Ron Lent
December 23, 2019
Al touched so many lives...too numerous to even count. I know he was always proud to be a help to so many.
Edward Jackson
January 3, 2017
To the Thomas family,
From me and my siblings, our most sincere condolences to you all. Coach Thomas will be missed, but he left one gigantic legacy on this earth, and we who witnessed his coaching and teachings are grateful. May the love we send to you help with coping a great loss.
How you can show support
Terry Wansor
January 2, 2017
What I always saw in Big Al was his little boy zest for life and experiences. Every opportunity to make a memory was a joy for Al, from slipping away to Mardi Gras with Byron or finding an unlocked bar to share with his brothers (when he was All Sig Tau) to later guiding young people in the classroom and on the football field, but most importantly, accepting the responsibilities of big boy life as husband, father, and grandpa. When Al got excited about something, his inner kid told him to spend it all on the prospects of what might be. Al made every one around him better in some way. And Sally made Al better in many ways. My sympathies to his entire family. Damn, he was a good guy.
Tammy Young/Miller
December 31, 2016
Sincere condolences and sympathies to the Thomas family. Many wonderful memories have been brought to light due to Al's passing. Al, Mom, Dad and others whom have gone before us, are reunited and supporting us all through this difficult time. Forever in our hearts.
Susan Brown Keefer
December 30, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the Thomas family. I have many wonderful memories of Al and Sig Tau
Ann Fisher
December 30, 2016
Dear Sally, Please know that Merrill and I are thinking of you and your family at this time. Al was larger than life and had a positive lasting impact on so many. Merrill enjoyed working with him at Damascus and recalls that he was a quality math teacher as well as an excellent Coach. I have many memories having been with him at two schools! I hope that the many fine memories will sustain your family.Fondly, Ann Fisher
Ellen Young
December 29, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Thomas family. I can imagine Mr. Thomas and my dad (Dave Young) are cutting up and talking football.
Best wishes to all of you. I am holding you dear in my heart.
Ellen Young
Tom Bocek
December 29, 2016
Dear Thomas Family,
We were saddened to hear of Al's passing.
There were so many happy memories of Al at Indiana: he was a mentor even then.
Sending our heartfelt condolences.
Tom and Lynn Bocek
Tom Hassall
December 29, 2016
My condolences to the Thomas family as they grieve for a very special man. Al was a fraternity brother of mine in the early 60's. He was full of energy and his antics were always welcomed. What a pleasure it would be to go back and spend a day with all of the brothers one more time. I don't think we knew what a special time it was.
Ted and Linda Rossetti
December 29, 2016
Sally, Ted and I send our sympathy and prayers to you and your family. We have many fond memories we shared as a Delta Zeta and Sig Tau family. May he rest in peace.
RON LENT
December 29, 2016
I will miss most what a regular, real guy he always was no matter what else happened.
It was an honor to have crossed his path.
Bob Cavaluchi
December 29, 2016
Big Al, I will always remember you as the man who saved my college career. I was ready to quit no friends, no social life. Working five or six nights a week at Bruno's. One day in Calculus class you were figiting quite a bit. I asked about it. You said you were wearing a burlap sack under your cloths as part of fraternity initiation. I asked why anyone would do something like that. You invited me to check out Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity and learn for myself. The rest is history. You touched my life in a special way as you have touched so many lives through teaching and coaching. I wish you smooth sailing, fair winds, and following seas as you sail off to Chapter Eternal.
Andy "Sarge" Brown
December 29, 2016
The door was always open (literally unlocked) at Al's home and his greeting whenever you saw him was a resounding, "HEYYY!" He always had time to talk, teach, and mentor. Al gave me my start in coaching in 1992 at DHS. He was responsible for securing a coaching position for me at WMC that allowed me to finish my education after retirement from the Army. Those he mentored referred to him as "The Pope" and often asked WWAD? Sally was always his "Saint." He had a unique love for the game of football that was contagious and a greater love for his family and friends.
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Allen Thomas's name
Memorial Events
for Allen Thomas
Funeral services provided by:
Roy W. Barber Funeral Home21525 Laytonsville Road, Laytonsville, MD 20882
People and places connected with Allen
Frederick, MD
The Frederick News-Post
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Allen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Allen Thomas's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
