Allen Lee Thomas

Allen Lee "Junior" Thomas, 77, of Bayville, passed away on September 10, 2025.

Allen grew up exploring, fishing, crabbing, and hunting with his brothers and many cherished cousins along the banks of the Toms River in the magical Island Heights, NJ, which was likely the inspiration for the unique and entertaining stories of his childhood and teenage years.

Allen attended Island Heights Grade School, and graduated from Central Regional High School (Class of '66) where he made many good friends that he held dear until the end of his life. He received an associate's degree from Ocean County College.

Allen enjoyed and took great pride in his career in the Title Insurance Industry for nearly 50 years, including his time as owner and operator of Guardian Title Agency in Toms River. He was considered a mentor by many in his field due to his extensive professional experience, and vast knowledge of the history of Ocean County.

Allen was a collector of all things "neat" and loved to thoughtfully gift trinkets with stories behind them to anyone he loved. His hobbies and passions included Listening to Music (really loud), Hot Rods, Art, Motorcycles, Hunting, Fishing, Photography, Telling Tall Tales, Spreading Wisdom (and leaving us all scratching our heads). He captivated everyone he knew with his special brand of clever humor and bottomless trove of interesting facts. He restored classic cars for each of his children on their 17th birthdays, and was known to carve walking sticks with names, dates, and memories burned into them for his favorite people. He loved the fall (because it was hunting season) and one of his most favorite locations was 'up in a tree'. He continued his love of exploration later in life, cruising the Toms River on his boat "Gus" and taking long drives with his wife Coral, spending time in quaint towns, and shopping for antique and vintage treasures. Allen loved his family and lifelong friends with all his heart.

Allen is survived by his beautiful wife Coral (nee Pacini) of 55 years, who he adored; His children, Abby Yedman (Gary), Emily Thomas (George), Joshua Thomas (Kristin); Grandchildren, Bella, Anna, Ryley, Sam, Emma, Henry, Simon, Quincy, Milya, Anya, all of whom he was so proud of; Brother Ernie Thomas and his wife Karen, Brother John Thomas, Sister-in-law Elizabeth "Betty-Ann" Chiacchio, Brother-in-law Robert Iasillo, Sister-in law Lois Grauer and her husband Dale, Brother-in-law David Lehmann and his husband David Wilson; Nieces and Nephews: Maria, Ricky, Jay, Meredith, Barbara Anne, Bobby, Lana, Jodi, Erik, Rachael, Meghan Jean, and Ryan.

Allen is predeceased by his parents Allen "Gus" and Florence (Molla) Thomas; Brother Richard "Jerry" Mancuso, Sister Barbara Iasillo, Sisters-in-law: Terry Thomas, Rosmary "Pinky" Mancuso; Parents-in-law, William and Evelyn Pacini; Brother-in-law William Pacini, Jr.

Allen's children are planning to honor him at a later date, with a Celebration of Life, a gathering for his loved ones to share memories, tall tales, and stories of misadventure.