Melvin E. Thomas

1931 - 2018

Melvin E. Mel Thomas, 86, of West Bridgewater, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2018 under the care of his loving family and hospice after a period of failing health. He was the husband of Barbara A. (Studley) Thomas. Born February 13, 1931 in Whitman, Mass. he was a son of the late Charles E. Thomas and Mildred B. (Nichols) Thomas. Raised and educated in Brockton, Mel served in the Naval Reserves during the Korean War era. He worked for several grocery stores in the South Shore: BPM, Fernandes, retired from Shaws, and more recently Roche Brothers. Mel was a musician who used to sing and play guitar at various clubs and bars from the late 1940s -1960s. He would also sing at weddings. He was a country music fan, and twice visited the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Some of his favorite musicians were, Gene Autry, Johnny Cash, Roy Rogers, and Loretta Lynn. Mel was a huge sports fan. His favorite team was the New York Giants. He was a member of the New York Giants Fan Club of New England. He enjoyed going to rodeos out West with his family, and was also a big fan of horseback riding. Mel loved the family vacations to Truro Cape Cod. The family spent summers there for 17 years. He also enjoyed the trips to Oregon. He was a resident of West Bridgewater for 51 years. Mel and his wife were members of the Cochesett United Methodist Church and Mel was a member of the W.B. Gridiron in West Bridgewater. Most of all, he adored time with his loving family and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara A. (Studley) Thomas of West Bridgewater; his children, Alan E. Thomas and Rich Vick of Walpole, Gary S. Thomas, Paula J. (Thomas) Phillips and her husband David of West Bridgewater, and Brian J. Thomas and his wife Jill of Bridgewater; his grandchildren, Erin E. Thomas of Easton, Elise K. Thomas of Brighton, Christopher Thomas, Nicholas Thomas and Jacob Thomas of Bridgewater, Amie Phillips and Rene Phillips both of West Bridgewater; his great-grandchild, Jasmine; his siblings, Beverly A. Williams and Janice Osgood of West Bridgewater, and Eldon Thomas of Brockton. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late James H. Thomas and the brother of the late Geraldine Silva. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 24, in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 441 South Main St., (Rte. 28), West Bridgewater at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the South Easton Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 23, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Old Colony Hospice, 321 Manley St., West Bridgewater, MA 02379. For directions visit www.Russellpicafuneralhome.com.