Ryan "Big R" Thomas

Ryan Shane Thomas a.k.a "Big R" of Jamison died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving and devoted family on Saturday, August 9, 2025. He was 35.
Born in Doylestown, PA he was a loving and devoted son of Robert and Leigh (Mignogna)Thomas and the grandson of Joan Thomas and the late Robert Sr. and Gene Mignogna and the late Sandy.
Fate whispers to the warrior, 'You cannot withstand the storm,' and the warrior whispers back, 'I am the storm.'" Few quotes capture a person as perfectly as this one captures Ryan.
At the age of 14, Ryan was diagnosed with a rare form of mitochondrial disease called MERRF, after first showing symptoms at age 8. Despite the challenges he faced, Ryan's strength and resilience were unmatched.
After graduating with Honors from C.B. East High School, he once told his siblings, "Do you know why God gave me this disease? Because I was the only one strong enough to handle it." This told you everything about his fearlessness. That attitude and courage-paired with his humor, love, and unmistakable smile-defined his life and inspired everyone who knew him.
Ryan was a goofball at heart, and he closely resembled one of his favorite characters growing up, the Tasmanian Devil-full of energy, mischief, and unstoppable laughter. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, quick wit, and famously foul sense of humor that could make anyone smile-even on the hardest days. He loved to watch funny movies like Wedding Crashers and Old School, and his TV tastes were just as colorful, ranging from Friends to Survivor to The Big Bang Theory.
The love, care, and unwavering dedication from his parents gave us an incredible gift-an additional ten years with Ryan beyond what his doctors ever expected. In that precious time, he continued to fill the lives of those around him with joy, love, and above all inspiration. He was also the best uncle to his five nieces and nephews, who adored him and will miss him greatly.
Ryan was the glue that held his family together, and that bond will continue into the future, carried by the love he leaves behind. Until we meet again, Ryan would tell us "only happy thoughts."
In addition to his parents Robert and Leigh and his grandparents Joan and Gene, Big R is survived by his brothers and sister:Robert G. Thomas and his wife Kelly of Pipersville, Casey L. Metzler and her husband Jeremy of Jamison, and Shawn Thomas and his wife Jennifer of Conshohocken, PA. In addition to being a loving brother, he was the devoted uncle of Liam, Kayla, Riley, Parker, and Finn. He is also survived by numerous Aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.
Big R's family will receive friends on Thursday, August 28,2025 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd) Richboro, PA 18954 and also at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church, 1410 Almshouse Rd. Jamison, PA 18929 on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 10:00am until his Funeral Mass 11:00AM. His interment will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to UMDF.org