Leonard Samuel Thomas Sr.

Leonard Samuel "Buddy" Thomas Sr., 78, 0f Lawrenceville, NJ, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the University Medical Center at Princeton.

Born in Princeton, NJ, Buddy has been a lifelong area resident.

He attended Lawrence Township School System, and was a graduate of Trenton Central High School class of 1965.

Buddy served in the United States Air Force from 1966 – 1970, serving in the Vietnam War.

Upon his Honorable Discharge in 1970, he attended and graduated from Mercer County Community College in 1973, where he earned his Degree in Aas Business Management. Not finished playing soccer or learning, he went on to attend Fairleigh Dickinson University – Madison, where he became the first Black Student President. Buddy got married and started his family while continuing his graduate degree from Rutger's University. His life of service did not end after the Air Force. He believed in always lending a hand and making your Community stronger. His many years of volunteering on the Boards of Mercer country's non-profits continued into later life. But one of his favorite days of the year was Thanksgiving where he provided and served breakfast and coats to anyone in need.

Buddy was a devoted dad to his 5 children, spending every minute he wasn't working, coaching, chauffering and cheering them on. As his kids grew up many returned to his hometown to raise their families. In between playing rounds of golf you would find Buddy in the bleachers of his grandchildren's games and events, usually wearing his very recognizable NY Giants jacket.

Predeceased by his parents Leonard and Mary Lucille Hendricks Thomas, and his daughter Lea Joyce Arecco. He is survived by his children, Jessika Lyn Thomas, Nikole Lee Mauger (Brian), Lora Beth Heady (Matthew), and Leonard Samuel Thomas, II (Lauren); in addition to his children, he leaves behind the pride of his life, his grandchildren, Ian Alloway, Christopher and Nicholas Mauger, Benjamin, Samantha, and William Heady, Henry and Charles Thomas.

His children, their spouse' and grandchildren will miss his consistent support and love, his smile and hearing him laugh so hard he would grab his chest, his home fries, pancakes and deviled eggs and the best desserts around!

The family will receive family and friends on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., at the Mather - Hodge Funeral Home 40 Vandeventer Avenue Princeton, NJ 08542.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 12:00 P.M., at the funeral home.