Richard John Thomas

Richard J. Thomas, 71, of New Boston, NH, passed on to heaven on April 11, 2025, after battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for 25 years.

He was born in 1953, the son of Elwood R. "Bill" Thomas and Mary Elizabeth "Mary Lou" Thomas, and grew up in Peabody, MA.

Rick served in the Navy where he was stationed in Spain. After returning home, he opened his own auto repair shop and gas station in Epping, NH where he met the love of his life, Sandy (Bertrand). They were married in April 1983. He then began his career as a mail carrier for the USPS, and they built a loving home in Deerfield, NH, where they spent 28 wonderful years until Sandy passed on to heaven.

Rick was a dedicated church member at the Epping Bible Church serving in various positions and volunteering his time to support church activities. Up until the day he was hospitalized, he continued to work with the AWANA program meeting weekly with children to have fun and learn about the Bible. His greatest desire was to let every child know that God loves them and sent Jesus to save them. Rick's strong faith was evident in his daily life, and he was a role model for many.

In addition to his church involvement, Rick was well known for his generosity and for using his mechanical ability to help those in need. He loved to hunt and fish and went on several hunting trips with his pastor, who was a very close friend for over 40 years. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is predeceased by his two brothers: Bill Thomas, and David Thomas.

He is survived by his two sisters, Beth Ann Cantin and husband Mike of Danvers, MA, and Wendy Benedict and husband Bob of Leominster, MA; and his "best friend" Kathy Dempsey. He is also survived by Sandy's three daughters, Michelle, Lisa, and Danielle; 7 grandchildren, Nicole, Matthew, Nathaniel, Owen, James, Trevor, and Janelle; and two great-grandchildren, Maddie, and Victor; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A public celebration of his life will be held at the Epping Bible Church, 243 Pleasant Street, Epping, NH on Saturday, April 26 at 1:00 PM.

A Military Funeral Honors ceremony will be held at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH on Friday, May 9 at 3:00 PM. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick's memory to the Epping Bible Church, 243 Pleasant Street, Epping, NH 03042. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester. To view Richard's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.