William R. Thomas Jr.

THOMAS, William R. Jr. (Billy)
Formerly of Millerton,
PA
Age 50, of Bristol, PA, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2008, after a brief illness at Kindred Hospital, PA. He was born January 20, 1958 in South Ruislip, Middlesex, England. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Maria (Lou) Lourdes Pulopot Thomas and their daughters, Janet and Stephanie; granddaughters, Gabriella and Disayah, all at home. Also surviving is his mother, Joy Thomas; brothers, Darrell (Bonnie) Thomas and Michael (Dawn) Thomas; sisters, Diane (Brad) Lines and Karen Paro; sisters-in-law, Kit, Josie and Ness; brothers-in-law, Tante, Joseph and Angel; along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Billy was predeceased by his father, William R. Thomas, Sr. (October 16, 2007); a sister, Janet; his grandparents, Russell and Louise Thomas, Doris and Howard Morehouse; mother-in-law, Catalina M. Gina. Billy retired as a Boatswain Mate from the US Navy in 1995 with numerous military ribbons. He also served during Desert Shield. He was employed by the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, PA. He earned his Life Award in Boy Scouting. He enjoyed spending time with his family and cherished his granddaughters. His favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing and bird watching. Family and friends will be received at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira, NY on Friday, May 23, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, May 24, 2008, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Funeral services honoring his life will follow the visitation. (5 p.m.) The Reverend Doctor Betsey Crimmins will celebrate Billy's service. The Chemung County Veteran's Honor Squad will accord Mr. Thomas Military Honors following the service. Interment will take place at the Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary in San Diego, CA, with additional Military Honors accorded at his grave at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Billy through memorial donations to the Friends of Heinz Refuge 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home. A "Candle of Remembrance" may be left for the family in obituaries at www.olthof.com.