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Peter Thomas
1924 - 2016
Peter Thomas
1924 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1924
DIED
2016
Peter Thomas Obituary
Peter Addenbrooke Thomas, long time resident of Naples and Greenwich, CT, passed away on April 30, 2016, surrounded by his children. Born in Pensacola, FL in 1924, Peter was the son of John D. Thomas, a Presbyterian minister from Wales, and Sybil A. Thomas, a schoolteacher from England.
Peter served with the Army's 1st Infantry Division in Europe during World War II, fighting in five campaigns including the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Unit French Croix de Guerre and Belgian Fourragere.
In 1946 Peter married his high school sweetheart, Stella Barrineau, in Pensacola, FL. Peter and Stella were married for 68 years. Stella died in Naples in 2014. She was the love of his life and his greatest supporter.
Peter was a renowned voiceover narrator. His career began at 15 when he was hired as a cub announcer at the Pensacola radio station. After he and Stella were married, they moved to Mobile, Alabama where Peter worked as a television announcer. The following year, he was hired as a television personality in Memphis where he was best known as the star of the comedy show "The Unhandy Handyman".
In 1951 he was offered to audition for WCBS in New York, and was hired to anchor the New York television local news, broadcasting live from Grand Central Station.
Peter left CBS in 1962 to pursue his growing career as a voiceover narrator, recording radio and television commercials, industrial films, medical narrations and documentary films. In a short time, he rose to the pinnacle of an industry in which he remained for decades, working into his 90's. His career in broadcasting spanned over seventy years.
Peter was the voice of national commercials like Coca Cola, IBM, Exxon, United Technologies, Burger King, and ESPN, to name just a few. He narrated countless documentaries, including narrations for Nova and the 1996 Oscar winning documentary "One Survivor Remembers". He is probably best known for the long running series "Forensic Files" which is still on the air after nearly 26 years. Of the many accolades he received, the one that meant the most to Peter was winning his industry's top honor, The International Television and Radio Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. In Naples, Peter was the recipient of the Naples International College Humanitarian Award.
Peter was devoted to remembering those who fought in World War II, especially those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. He served on the board of the National D-Day Memorial.
Peter is survived by his three children: Elizabeth Joyoprayitno, Peter Thomas Jr. and Douglas Thomas, as well as his son-in-law Yon Joyoprayitno. He has seven grandchildren: Kristin Thomas-Senior, John Joyoprayitno, Peter Thomas III, Derek Joyoprayitno, Trevor Thomas, Cora Thomas, and Henry Thomas, as well as two great-grandsons, George Thomas Joyoprayitno and Hudson Thomas-Senior.
A memorial service celebrating the lives of Peter and Stella Thomas will be held on Friday, May 20 at 5:00 p.m. at Naples Community Church.
In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider memorials in Peter's name to Naples Community Church, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples Historical Society, The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA, or a charity of your choosing in memory of Peter.
Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cha
March 17, 2025
It must have been 2 or 3 years since I started watching Forensic Files in YT, up until now I never get tired of watching/listening to it every day. You Sir, may be a stranger to some but in most, it felt like you became a friend who share these bittersweet stories about Forensic Science. Even my niece who sometimes watch it with me, recognizes Mr. Thomas's voice when I play FF on Spotify. She's a low-key fan as well. RIP Mr. Peter Thomas.
Love, from the Philippines.
Michael Todd Oliver
March 5, 2025
His voice work was amazing and his story is inspiring r.i.p.
Nicholas Flessas
November 3, 2023
As a fellow voice over artist, you were admired for your outstanding work.
May your memory be eternal Peter!
Nicholas Flessas
Waukesha, Wisconsin
Candice Mills
March 20, 2023
On this day of March 20, 2023, I was thinking of my father, a Marine Veteran in WWII, who passed 14 years ago, and how my last conversation with Mr. Thomas was about him. I admired Mr. Thomas and his concern for all veterans.
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Aaron C.
March 17, 2023
Loved him in forensic files !R.I.P.
Vic Khahera
March 13, 2020
loved him in forensic files
Louise Wisinski
October 14, 2019
This popped up in an email today. Just watched FF last night. Your voice is eternal.
Donna Overton
October 13, 2019
I have always enjoyed hearing Mr. Thomas narrate in all the program's mentioned. I only found out today after I looked him up. My condolences to his family and friends. God Bless.
January 31, 2019
From one Pensacola native to another.....You will be missed! And your hometown IS SO VERY PROUD OF YOU!!
11th ACR
Michael Leon
January 14, 2019
I'm sadden to hear of the Passing of Mr. Thomas. Growing up and hearing is beautiful and soothing voice on so many documentaries kept my interest in History to this day. One of my favorite films he narrated was PBS's Wings over water. If if the topic was not of my particular interest, still i would stay and watch the film, just to hear his voice.
May the gods guide your journey home safely, to Valhalla we will meet.
God Bless
Michael Leon
Antioch Ca.
Jeff Schaefer
January 3, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Peters voice will live on forever! Rest in peace my friend.
Jeff Schaefer
January 3, 2019
Peters voice made the Forensic Files!
Jeff Schaefer
January 3, 2019
Peter you are the best!
M. Warren
October 19, 2017
It is part of this man's legacy that people are contributing to this condolence page long after Peter Thomas is gone. Like so many others, I never met him but his voice was oddly comforting to me. Ten years ago I spent most of the year receiving Chemo and radiation. I lived alone and was often very sick at night. I also lived where a local TV station played back-to-back Forensic Files. I would start watching, and Mr. Thomas's voice would lull me to sleep. I'd wake, and he would be talking about an entirely new investigation, and so on and so on. Never saw a crime solved for months, but oh, that voice was a comfort to me! Wish I had contacted him then to tell him. Maybe if his kids read this website, they will be proud to know what an impact their father's work had on so many people. He sounded like a lovely man. Hope he and his wife, Stella, are dancing somewhere. ;-)
Tracie Bradley
July 27, 2017
I have loved Peter Thomas from day one. I saw the new forensic files ad for new shows to be aired on August 5th, I just found out he has passed away. Forensic files will never be the same, he had one of the best voices in broadcasting and he will be sadly missed by me and I am sure millions of other folks who loved him. Rest In Peace Mr Thomas
TY CLARK
May 22, 2017
I LOVED HIS SHOWS A LOT AND I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND FOR HIS WIFE AND FOR HIS FAMILY AND HIS GRANDCHILDREN
Michael Leon
May 16, 2017
I became a Documentary fanatic after listening to his voice countless times on PBS and other shows, my favorite being "Wings Over Water. The pertest Trifecta, the subject mater, the music score and of course, his amazing voice.
May the gods bless your soul. Rest in Peace Peter Thomas, enjoy your ride to Valhalla!
Fr. Michael Kirkland
May 11, 2017
I still can't believe that Peter is gone! Such a beautiful man, devoted husband...a wonderful person all the way around. Yes! He will live on in our hearts and on TV with Forensic Files. I was honored that he sent me a few personalized cuts to use on my business voicemail... I get compliments all the time and refer my thanks, praise and long relationship with Peter Thomas... truly one of a kind! I was also one of the very last to hear his voice and speak to him at the nursing home the day before he passed away. As I shared with him over the telephone, saying, "you've ran the good race & fought the good fight...go forth to Stella, she has gone before...just like our Blessed Lord...to prepare a place for you! God Bless You my dear Friend," and those were my last words to a friend and hero of more than 50 years! MEMORY ETERNAL... MEMORY ETERNAL... MEMORY ETERNAL...MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL...
Chrissy Ferris
May 10, 2017
I've listened to Peter Thomas voice for many years as I've always been a fan of forensics files! Sadly missed but his voice lives on"
Ken Paul
February 28, 2017
I'm am so sorry to hear Peter died, I remember hearing his iconic voice since kindergarten.
Thank you for all you've done Peter!
Tammy D
January 18, 2017
I have trouble winding down and falling asleep sometimes, especially when I'm traveling. One night alone in a hotel room I was feeling anxious and emotional after dropping my daughter off for her first year of college 14 hours away. I was flipping through the TV channels & I landed on Forensic Files. I have always been a fan of the program, but that night, I paid more attention to the voice of the narrarator, and I felt instantly calm. There was something so comforting in his voice, even if he was talking about murder & death. It has now become a nightly ritual with Mr. Thomas to help wind down. It's very hard to explain, but as I stated, his voice feels genuine, kind, and comforting. After reading about him, I understand he was just that as a person. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing, and very thankful he shared his beautiful gift. May he RIP ...
Mark Iampietro
January 9, 2017
America's voice.
Kimberly McMath
December 15, 2016
I met Mr. Thomas a few years back where I work. I had no idea he was my favorite voice until he spoke! As he sat there, reading his latest "job" (a commercial for Burger King) he asked my opinion on the inflection!
He was always so kind and humble. He was genuinely interested in others. He went out of his way to do for others. He and his lovely wife were truly wonderful people who positively impacted many lives.
What a legacy.
God bless the Thomas family and friends ❤
Claire Simpson
October 14, 2016
I knew Peter when he was the announcer for Young America Sings in Memphis at WMC in the late forties and early fifties. He was a wonderful role model to a group of high schoolers from all over Memphis. His sense of humor and kind demeanor impressed us all. When one of the bolder members asked him why he had a bald spot on his head, he told us he was in the war and he was so scared he didn't take off his helmet for the entire time! Later I found out he was a true hero during the war, and I was not surprised. I went to the D Day Memorial in 2014 just because I read that Peter thought it was a magnificent memorial. The world needs more men like Peter A. Thomas. May he rest in peace with Stella.
Carole Johnson
July 23, 2016
Ur voice and talent are immeasurable. Thank you for sharing your gift.
July 3, 2016
I first "met" Peter when I was about 10. We had to come to school (PS 65 in Brooklyn, NY) with a public events story, so I watch Peter deliver the news on CBS every weekday morning. His voice was so familiar to me that during the 1964-65 NY World's Fair, I visited the Traveliers Insurance Pavilion (with a big red umbrella dome) and Peter was the narrator for the show in the Pavilion. Throughout the years, Peter's voice informed me, educated me, entertained me, challenged me, enlightened me. For 57 years, Peter has been part of things important to me through his incredible narrations. I finally sent a "fan" mail to him in 2013 (the only fan mail I have ever seen anyone) and Peter was very touched. America is the richer for his devoted military service to the nation and for the extraordinary volume of work that he leaves behind. I shall miss his voice. Sincerely, Kathy Friend
louise wisinski
June 2, 2016
You sir were "the" man. Loved your voice on Forensic Files and always will. Also was happy to find your obit; what a man you were outside of television. RIP
Father Michael
June 2, 2016
As mentioned in an earlier entry, I was so pleased to keep in telephone communication with my dear friend Peter while he was in the nursing facility. I just reviewed my cell records showing that I called Peter on Thursday 28 April at 12:58pm (just two days before his repose) and conversed with him for about 5 minutes. Previously, for many days, I could not get through to him and it seemed his phone was disconnected; however, on this date the nurse answered my call and was kind enough to put the receiver up to his ear. I did sense his condition had gotten worse and I told Peter to be brave and welcome the angels who would be coming to escort him Home and to his beloved Stella who was waiting for him. As I spoke and prayed, I could hear Peter's quiet vocal reactions to my voice...I new he heard me and understood...I knew his time to "fall asleep in the Lord" was very near....I new my dear friend and mentor for over 40 years was at his reward's door! God Bless You my dear friend and remember us all in your prayers and intercessions before that great Throne of God.
LaNell Barrett
May 27, 2016
If not for the photo of his wife in her obituary not so long ago, I would never have realized I'd seen that sweet smiling couple walking the beach here. I remember them very clearly, not knowing I knew either of them elsewhere. As his voice still in my mind forever, though can barely hear anyone's voice for years.
THEY will stay in my memory as that lucky-to- be-together, precious couple... walking the beach together smiling....
Gary Rivard
May 26, 2016
Absolutely loved his voice. Ever since they stopped running Robert Stack Unsolved Mysteries episodes, Forensic Files is my most watched show on television. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to all who were close to him.
Father Michael
May 26, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy to the Thomas family. From early days in broadcasting, Peter was my mentor and "hero" in everything to do with narration, announcing and later with sermons and homilies as an Orthodox Christian Priest for the past 35 years. We stayed in contact via email throughout the past 15 years and more recently over the telephone while he was in the nursing facility. He was a wonderful, kind and sincere friend. I was happy to help him with prayers for the health of his daughter and thru his wife's sickness and passing. He prayed likewise for the health of my Wife and family. May Almighty God welcome him home where Christ and Stella have been preparing a place for him where we will all see him again.
Bliss Holland
May 23, 2016
I just learned of Peter's death and want to remember him here by saying that I worked with Peter for over 20 years when I worked at a small boutique film and video company, Creative Media Concepts, in NYC. Peter was always our first choice for all voice-over or narration work. His consistently joyful mood was contagious. He worked tirelessly to create professional and entertaining products, narrating our Finnish tourism films as well as our medical films and infomercials. He was always ready to tackle even the most difficult to pronounce medical terminology or challenging foreign names! Peter was a shining light, a wonderful person with whom I loved to talk - he had so many fantastic stories! Peter will be missed by me and many others. God Bless you Peter!
George Grote
May 20, 2016
My sincerest sympathy to the Thomas family. George and Barbara Grote
David Thomas
May 19, 2016
Peter was my last sibling to pass on to be with God.I will miss him greatly and will have fond memories of my trip to Naples last year to help me cope with my grief
David Thomas
May 19, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
James Percoco
May 15, 2016
Your voice helped put me on the road to teaching history to high school students then it followed me into the classroom and finally through an act of Divine Providence
we met and broke bread together with some of my students on a Memorial Day weekend not to be forgotten!! Though I only knew you personally for a few years all along it seemed like I'd known you forever. Rest well my dear friend!
Paul Dowling
May 13, 2016
Peter and I worked together on Forensic Files for 20 years. He taught me a lot. He was kind, generous, loved to laugh, devoted to his family and strongly held to his beliefs. His enormous talent has lit up television screens all over the world and continues to do so. I'll miss him terribly.
Marina Berkovich Alexander Goldstein
May 12, 2016
We loved Peter as a friend and mentor, we will miss him always. The memory of him in his beach studio and Stella waiting for him on the house steps is what we will carry forth, trusting they are reunited at last. Our condolences to the family.
Kimberley Miller
May 9, 2016
A true Great of 'The Greatest Generation'! You and Stella will be Missed but not Forgotten! My Best to The Family!
L B
May 7, 2016
Forever loved...forever missed. I hear your voice as I read of your passing. You are with your beloved now. And we will be with you soon.
JR Smith
May 6, 2016
I was a young and very inexperienced ad agency copywriter when I first worked with Peter 30 years ago. He made me look good then and every time I worked with him after that. A true professional and a remarkable man. A wonderful voice has been silenced.
Holly Tramutola
May 5, 2016
I only met Peter briefly after I heard him recite his D-Day poem at the commemoration in Naples. I shook his hand and have never forgotten those moments since. He moved me. What a man. What a life he led. He gave his all. My sincere condolences to his family.
Ila Dykinga
May 5, 2016
We met just two years ago, but our friendship seemed like a lifetime. What a gentle man. He will be sooooooooooo missed. God speed Peter.
May 5, 2016
Peter Thomas was the greatest narrator
since Alexander Scourby!
T.J. Bailey, Naples, Fl.
May 5, 2016
I love watching Forensic files, even the repeats and love Peter's voice...a devoted fan...
Wendell Craig
May 4, 2016
Peter, you were not only brilliantly skilled at your craft, you were extraordinarily generous with your help and advice. It was your genuine enthusiasm that turned my life around and I thank you for my very satisfying career.
Wendell Craig
Katina Kalin
May 4, 2016
I remember Peter as such a gentleman, tall and impeccable. That beautiful voice and perfect speech was an inspiration to many of us "newcomers" in the voice-over business.
So happy I will continue to enjoy his voice, as I am a huge Forensic Files fan!
Katina Kalin
Manhattan
Stacey Watt
May 4, 2016
I grew up hearing your father's name around our house. My father, Stan Watt, was also a voice over artist and they were friendly competitors in the NYC voice over arena. Sending you my thoughts and regards.
Alan Cagan
May 4, 2016
My dear friend, my mentor, my "buddy" You taught me how to be a mensch. You are forever in my heart.
Susan Bernard
May 4, 2016
Thank you for all your immense contributions to the VO community. Your skill and your goodness was legendary. How I wish I could have met you face-to-face. Your spirit will remain alive in the hearts of many. Your essence and influence will ripple throughout and continue to keep favor. You will not be forgotten and very much missed. G-dspeed, Good Sir!!
Susan Bernard
May 4, 2016
Thank you for all your immense contributions to the VO community. Your skill and your goodness was legendary. How I wish I could have met you face-to-face. Your spirit will remain alive in the hearts of many. Your essence and influence will ripple throughout and continue to keep favor. You will not be forgotten and very much missed. G-dspeed, Good Sir!!
Jason Watt
May 4, 2016
An amazing man and talent, I was privileged to have met Peter through my father Stan over 25 years ago and then at many auditions in NYC. He was the consummate gentleman and so gracious and giving of his knowledge and skills as a narrator. Every time I saw him, he was always wearing a suit - such a class act. His voice will live on through the thousands of TV series, documentaries and commercials he narrated. My thoughts and blessings go out to his family. RIP Peter.
Candice Mills
May 4, 2016
I had the pleasure of helping him when he was a client of Attorney Benjamin G. Parks years ago and recently went to hear him speak about his experiences in the war at Hodges University. Afterwards, he took the time to speak with me personally. He was an inspiration.
Ron Carmark
May 3, 2016
The " Voice of the Greatest Generation" will never be forgotten. An amazing talent for the ages.Our world is much poorer from his passing!
Tom Wahl
May 3, 2016
Peter was a dear friend, mentor and colleague. He was one of 3 or 4 voice talents who inspired me to be a voice talent/narrator. I first heard him and saw him on WCBS-TV and CBS Television when I was a little boy growing up in in the metro New York area. I never dreamed that I would have the privilege of knowing Peter, getting his stamp of approval as a fellow voice talent and his recommendation. I will miss him dearly. I owe him an extraordinary debt.
Paige Curtis
May 3, 2016
Peter worked with me for more than 40 years and his voice was the most magnificent in advertising. He was truly one of a kind and a delightful Christian man. He was also a loyal friend and someone who was treasured by everyone who knew him. Our prayers go out to Liz, Peter and Doug for this irreplaceable loss. Paige Curtis
Tricia Lynn
May 3, 2016
I was never fortunate enough to have met Peter personally but having listened to him on "Forensic Files" over the years...my heart was heavy today when I learned of his passing. I feel like we go "way back" and this is no doubt a reflection of his narrating talent. I too am a voice actor and I have a legal background (starting law school in the Fall). I feel as though we were kindred spirits and I wanted his friends and family to know that he touched so many lives, and not just the people who actually knew him. He will be sorely missed. RIP in dear friend and may your family find peace with your passing. God bless.
Karen Duca
May 3, 2016
i didn't know the man personally but many a nights I have gone to bed hearing his voice describe the horror of how people have been murdered. His calm clear voice was amazing. Forensic files is the best show and his voice made it. I surely will miss his talent in the future. God bless his family during this very this very difficult time.
Irene Kolessar
May 2, 2016
Our world is infinitely poorer because Peter Thomas no longer is in it. He was as kind and generous as he was talented, and he'll be missed by all who knew him.
Todd Terry
May 2, 2016
I worked with Peter many times on television commercials, always amazed at his talent. But, he was even more of an incredible person. From our very first conversation two decades ago, I instantly considered him a friend. Peter was, quite simply, just about the finest man I have ever known. A life very well lived.
Michael Breeding
May 2, 2016
There are not enough words to express how wonderful Peter Thomas was to me. He treated me like a son. I will forever keep him with me. Peter narrated at least sixty-five shows for me starting in 1995. Over the years, we became great friends.He forever will be known as a great man and the greatest voice in America - Michael Breeding, Lexington, KY.
Barbara Jean Wilson
May 2, 2016
The world is a much more lonely place without Peter. I have met very few people who were as generous, warm and caring. I was fortunate to have worked with Peter on several videos to raise funds for non-profits and he was always happy to donate his time and talents. Heaven has received a true gift in his passing.
May 2, 2016
I had the good fortunate to work Peter when he narrated our NOVA programs over many years. He always brought class and elegance to whatever program he was associated with. My thoughts are with the family. Warm Regards, Melanie Wallace
Michele, Daniel, and Violet Caswell
May 1, 2016
Liz, Peter, and Doug - You and your families are in our prayers now instead of your dad. He was such an amazing man and friend. We will miss him greatly, but we are so thankful to know that he is reunited with Stella again.
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