Rene Thomas

Rene Thomas, 88, of E. Dennis and formerly Agawam, MA, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2023 after a long and happy life. Rene was born in Springfield, MA, (one of eight children) to the late Joseph and Aniva (LeFebvre) Thomas. He earned degrees from WNEC, UMASS and AIC, where at a fraternity party he met his loving wife, Irene, of nearly 65 years.

After starting a family, Rene and Irene soon moved to Agawam, MA where they lived for 40 years on River Road and established a large group of life-long friends.

Rene's career started in business, then into teaching at Holyoke Community College. With a passion for teaching, he enjoyed a long career in Business Law and Sports Law classes. Along the way, he earned his law degree at night school and practiced law as a side business in Agawam.

Rene was a devout family man with several hobbies. He was an avid tennis player and bridge player. He also enjoyed boating, skiing, biking, gardening, bird watching, and traveling. In 1987, Rene and Irene built a ski house at Burke Mountain in the NEK of Vermont, where they enjoyed many great years with family, friends from home, and new Burke friends.

Rene retired from HCC in 1998, and in 2000 they moved to Cape Cod. Upon joining the Newcomers club, S. Yarmouth tennis club, and bridge groups, they soon had another large group of dear friends. With family and old friends visiting the Cape often, their home was a true Cape Cod welcome center and a good place to enjoy a glass of wine or a Manhattan cocktail.

Rene is predeceased by his parents, his brother Joseph, sisters Jeanine and Annette, and son-in-law Michael.

Rene is survived by his wife Irene Thomas, daughter Karen Taylor, and son Robert (Lori) Thomas; siblings Lorraine, Gertrude, Denise, and Roger (Sandra); grandchildren Katie, Amy (Ross), Benjamin (Kaitlyn), Michael (Emma), and Ashley (Leo); great-grandchildren Eleanor, Miller, Henry, Lucy, and Hadley; as well as many nieces and nephews and their families.

A private celebration of life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, please do a kind deed for someone less fortunate or consider a charity such as Hospice, Foster Care, Boys and Girls Club, and Helping Hands of Northside United Methodist Church.