1933 - 2017
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
No Funeral Date Scheduled
Lorne William Thomas Jr. died peacefully in his home on July 16th 2017 in Chelmsford, MA, with his family. He was 84.
He was born on June 6th, 1933, in Medford Massachusetts into a large family. An outstanding athlete at Medford High School, his accomplishments in basketball and baseball resulted in a collegiate scholarship offer and an opportunity to play minor league ball for the Philadelphia Phillies. He subsequently enlisted in the Air Force and served five years as a military policeman at various U.S. and Canadian bases during the Korean War. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Ann Manning.
Lorne worked with the U.S. Postal Service in Brockton and Woburn Massachusetts. He also worked with his brother Slim selling advertising space in phone books for towns in the suburban Boston area. In 1967, he moved with his growing family to Reading, Massachusetts.
He also helped provide for his seven children by serving as a referee and umpire for a wide variety of sports at the high school and collegiate level including wrestling, soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball and baseball becoming one of the most recognized and accomplished collegiate baseball umpires in New England.
Lorne is survived by his seven children, Lorne W. Thomas III, Barbara Morgan, Patricia Thomas, Alison Thomas, Steven Thomas, Alan Thomas and Scott Thomas. He will be missed by his daughter-in-law Anne Thomas, wife of Lorne and Jennifer Thomas, wife of Scott. He leaves behind eight grandchildren who all loved their Grampy; Chris Morgan, Allison D’Amelio, Sophia D’Amelio, Grace Thomas, Kyle Thomas, Jessica Thomas, Scotty Thomas and Jayson Thomas.
Lorne was preceded in death by his wife Pat and all five of his brothers and one sister.
At the request of the family, funeral services will be private and limited to family.
Jen
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So saddened to hear about the loss of your father – he was always larger than life itself. My thoughts are with you all.
Our deepest sympathies
Jen and Matt Friedland
Paula Dolan
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Lorne was a great guy, I knew him since I was a kid, he and his wife Pat were friends with my parents. Condolences to all the Thomas kids. I’m sorry about Lorne’ passing.
Paula Dolan
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I’m very about Lorne but also sorry to hear of Pat’s passing, my Mother was very close to Pat if one of the children could send me an email and let me know what happened to your Mom and when she passed, I would appreciate to let my Mom know what happened to her high school friend. My email is Paula_dolan@yahoo.com. Thank you.
Joyce Fortin
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To Lorne III, Barbara and the rest of you “kids”… I think of your dad and mom often. What a great character in our lives. It was always a fun and chaotic time when your mom and dad would show up at the Fortin’s with all of you in tow and us kids got to visit and play. I both dreaded and looked forward to your dad’s teasing. He always made us laugh and squeal with delight. I will never forget him. On behalf of my mom, Rita, my dad, Gene, and my sisters and brother, we are fortunate to have had those days. May he and your mom rest in peace and may you all be comforted by the love of your family and friends. Joyce, Jeannie, Chris, EJ.