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John Thomas

1926 - 2020

John Thomas obituary, 1926-2020, Shrewsbury, MA

BORN

1926

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester

370 Plantation Street

Worcester, Massachusetts

John Thomas Obituary

John "Sonny" Thomas

Shrewsbury - John A. "Sonny" Thomas, 94 a lifelong Shrewsbury resident and business owner, passed away at home surrounded by the ones he loved on December 24, 2020. He joins in heaven the "love of his Life" and best friend, Barbara J. (O'Rourke) Thomas, among others.

Sonny was born in Worcester, March 31, 1926, one of seven children of Walter G. and Rose E. (Harpie) Thomas. At the age of 18, Sonny, in the U.S. Army during World War II, served proudly in Europe, taking part in major battles, such as D-Day and Battle of the Bulge. He earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medals. Shortly after discharge from service he returned home and married Barbara J. O'Rourke and began a 74-year life of love, family, and faith raising their family until Barbara passed away shortly over a year ago on November 19, 2019.

Sonny and his father were founders of "Thomas' Garage" which later became "Thomas Auto Parts" which Sonny ran with his brother Tony until he retired.

Sonny is survived by his devoted four daughters, Rosemary Dunlevy and her husband James, Joann Green and her predeceased husband Jeff, Barbara Govoni, and her predeceased husband Don, MaryEllen O'Loughlin and her husband Steven; a brother, Joseph A. "Tony" Thomas, and his wife Nancy; three sisters, Theresa and her husband Willis Haire, Mary and her husband Wilfred Daniels, and Eva Dubuque; a sister-in-law Beverly Anthony; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Sonny was the proudest of his ten grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. In addition to his wife Barbara and parents, Sonny's sisters, Ann Paquette, and Rita Najarian also predeceased him.

Sonny was a life-long member of Adelphi Counsel, Knights of Columbus, the Victor R. Quaranta American Legion Post and Charles Murphy 10278 Post, Veteran of Foreign Wars.

Sonny along with his wife were devoted to raising their children. They took pride in their 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and were the joy of their lives. Having them near them for holidays, special occasions and birthdays were life's special moments and joys. He showed us what sacrifices had to be made and did them because he loved his family so fiercely. We admired his strength, bravery and his determination to keep on going. Sonny came from a generation of strong heart and will, "The Greatest Generation"

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Sonny's care givers, the Veterans Administration, Nurse Pat and staff; and a special thanks to Sandy, Liz, Kerrin and his to caretakers Cathy and Erin. We would also like thank The UMASS Hospital and staff for his excellent care.

Sonny's funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 at 12:30 pm in St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd. COVID restrictions, including masks and social distancing in church will be observed. Entombment with Military honors, next to his wife Barbara will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum. Calling hours are private. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to St Anne's Human Services, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd, 01545. THE MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, is honored to assist the family with arrangements. To view the services online, please go to www.mercadantefuneral.com/liveservices.

www.mercadantefuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Dec. 26 to Dec. 29, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Thomas

Sponsored by Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester.

Not sure what to say?





Steven O’Loughlin

December 31, 2020

You will forever be in my heart, thoughts and prayers. You have touched the lives of some many, always doing whatever it took to support your family. You demonstrated care and love in your own special way. You were one of the hardest working person I have ever known, always determined to get it done no matter what it took or how long it would take. I appreciate all that you have taught me and the many memories will last forever. Thank you for everything you have done for me and the family. Your internal love will last forever and ever and ever in my heart and soul. God Bless. ❤

Bill Finn

December 31, 2020

My condolences to the Thomas family. May God put him in a special place from where he will be watching us, the people who loved and cherished him! A life well lived - Sonny is home now with the true love of his life. RIP

Lisa & Bill Oates

December 31, 2020

Sending our love and prayers at a very difficult time to the Thomas family.
Remembering the love, wisdom and unselfish lessons learned from Sonny and how it has positively affected each and every member of the family can bring peace and comfort during this time of mourning.
May his memory be eternal.

Brittany Longoria & Family

December 31, 2020

Sending our love and prayers to the family. What a wonderful man Uncle Sonny was with such great accomplishments over the years, the most important was marring Aunty Barbara. He will truly be missed by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all his daughters and their families. ❤

David and Sandra Pratt

December 30, 2020

So sorry for your loss. Enjoyed family stories about Sonny over the years. It is obvious that he will be deeply missed.

Joe Carter

December 29, 2020

So sorry for your loss, Uncle Sonny was such a nice man. He will be greatly missed.

Fran & Judy Polito

December 28, 2020

Our deep & heartfelt sympathy to all The Thomas family Sonny was a loving husband dad grandfather & great grandfather The last of the greatest generation Send love to all

Mark Jackson

December 28, 2020

Great WW2 combat veteran. Condolences.

David Attella

December 28, 2020

R.I.P Uncle Sonny . I am happy that you are reunited with Aunt Barb.

Dennis Dillon

December 28, 2020

My deepest condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss.

Frank&Pam Panarelli

December 28, 2020

So sorry for everyone´s loss Sonny was a great man he´s with Gram now he will be missed Love Frankie and Pam

Laura-Kay & Mark Cosenza

December 27, 2020

Our sympathy and prayers at this difficult time for all of you.

mary and bob dunlevy -lannon

December 27, 2020

rest in peace sonny may you get your fish and chips in heaven with barbara

Jack Collins

December 27, 2020

Sonny and Barbara welcomed me into their home and family from the first time I met them. I always enjoyed visiting them and getting to know their extended family. (While it was sometimes like watching Edith and Archie Bunker, I recognized the true love and affection they felt for one another and will miss the time I spent with them.)

Cathy and Billy Lamothe

December 26, 2020

To the Thomas Family our condolences and prayers go out to you all uncle Sonny a great Man he is with his bride dancing away RIP. Cathy and Billy Lamothe.

Lisa Birnie

December 26, 2020

Tootsie my heartfelt sympathies to your family on your dads passing. He is in peace now with your mom and not suffering anymore. All our love lisa and Jim birnie

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Memorial Events
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Dec

30

Funeral Mass

12:30 p.m.

St. Anne’s Church

130 Boston Turnpike Rd., MA

Funeral services provided by:

Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester

370 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605

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