Joseph Thomas

Joseph Thomas, age 65, a longtime resident of Naperville, IL, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2023 at Edward Hospital. He was born and raised in Cleveland, OH. Joe is survived by his best friend and devoted wife of 32 years, Kim; his loving children, Leah and Nick Thomas; his mother, Marta Patete; his sisters, Lisa (Don) Goff and Claudia Panetti; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Thomas. Joe graduated from Euclid High School and Kent State University. He had recently retired from a 40+ year career in consumer product sales management, having worked for companies such as Colgate Palmolive and Sara Lee. Although he lived in many places throughout the country, his loyalty to his beloved Cleveland sports teams never wavered. Joe was an avid and adventurous outdoorsman. From the Rocky Mountains to Yellowstone, he spent many days and nights trekking through the great American parks. His affinity for nature was not conditional to the landscape; it was rather something fundamental: at home he tended an extensive garden plot and hiked and biked the forest preserves regularly. With his love of literature and history, he spent many nights lost in his books. His inherent charm, quick-wit, and sense of humor helped him make quick friends in any situation. The family asks that in lieu of flowers or memorial donations, please consider a donation to the National Park Foundation, the official charity of the National Park Service and its national park sites. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 15, 10:30 AM at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff Road, Naperville. Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Naperville, was entrusted with arrangements. For information call 630/355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com