Richard A. Thomas
November 22, 1931 ~ May 1, 2020
Richard A. Thomas, born Richard Anthony Tomaszewski in Cleveland, OH, was the son of the late George and Estelle (nee Siennicki) Thomas. Passing into everlasting rest on May 1, 2020 at the age of 88, he was a long time resident of Vienna, VA & more recently Ashburn VA.
Preceded in death by his two younger brothers, Jim (Terry) Thomas & Jerry (Marilyn) Thomas.
He felt fortunate to have shared his life with his wife Carole Jean (nee Grosser) who caught his eye at a church dance, was happily married & remained his everything for 52 years, until her passing in 2010. Loving father of daughters Linda (Joe) Perini & Susan Thomas. Proud grandfather of Lauren (Sean) Brith & Matt (Abbey) Perini. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Bob (Pat) Grosser & John Grosser, as well as many cousins, nieces, & nephews.
Richard was also lucky enough later in life to have found a dear friend, Alexandra Brown, a supportive companion with never-ending devotion.
He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church. He graduated from Benedictine HS in 1949 where he excelled in academics and sports, lettering in wrestling and track. Always agile, and deliberate in action.
He was an honorably discharged veteran of the Navy, serving during the Korean War on the aircraft carrier, USS Midway (1951-55). Stationed in the Mediterranean, his work on a specialized team involved calibrating radar for the fighter aircraft. Awarded a National Defense Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Navy Occupation Medal (European Clasp).
Richard graduated from Case Institute of Technology with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering in 1959 & a MS degree in Engineering Administration in 1962. He had a natural analytical way of thinking and problem solving, yet his amiable disposition carried him well throughout his life.
As an engineer, his focus was on integrated circuits & precision gages. Richard worked for TRW, Cleveland Instrument, at Lufkin as a GM, & was a VP at Mechanical Enterprises. He became a manufacturers’ rep, and moved the family to northern VA where he shifted into Real Estate & established his own company as a broker/owner. Prior to retiring he worked as an independent defense contractor ... a far cry from selling scorecards and pencils at the Cleveland Indians stadium in his youth!
As his daughters, we are blessed to have had such a devoted and loving father. Richard made a lasting impression on all those around him with his logic, humor and positive attitude. He was a caring mentor to so many. His assuring confident guidance will be missed, but he left a small piece of his spirit in each of us. We love you Richard, peace be with you.
Richard will be inurned in the Memorial Garden of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Falls Church, VA. Services will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org)
or Capital Caring’s Adler Center in Aldie, VA (capitalcaring.org)
Preceded in death by his two younger brothers, Jim (Terry) Thomas & Jerry (Marilyn) Thomas.
He felt fortunate to have shared his life with his wife Carole Jean (nee Grosser) who caught his eye at a church dance, was happily married & remained his everything for 52 years, until her passing in 2010. Loving father of daughters Linda (Joe) Perini & Susan Thomas. Proud grandfather of Lauren (Sean) Brith & Matt (Abbey) Perini. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Bob (Pat) Grosser & John Grosser, as well as many cousins, nieces, & nephews.
Richard was also lucky enough later in life to have found a dear friend, Alexandra Brown, a supportive companion with never-ending devotion.
He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church. He graduated from Benedictine HS in 1949 where he excelled in academics and sports, lettering in wrestling and track. Always agile, and deliberate in action.
He was an honorably discharged veteran of the Navy, serving during the Korean War on the aircraft carrier, USS Midway (1951-55). Stationed in the Mediterranean, his work on a specialized team involved calibrating radar for the fighter aircraft. Awarded a National Defense Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Navy Occupation Medal (European Clasp).
Richard graduated from Case Institute of Technology with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering in 1959 & a MS degree in Engineering Administration in 1962. He had a natural analytical way of thinking and problem solving, yet his amiable disposition carried him well throughout his life.
As an engineer, his focus was on integrated circuits & precision gages. Richard worked for TRW, Cleveland Instrument, at Lufkin as a GM, & was a VP at Mechanical Enterprises. He became a manufacturers’ rep, and moved the family to northern VA where he shifted into Real Estate & established his own company as a broker/owner. Prior to retiring he worked as an independent defense contractor ... a far cry from selling scorecards and pencils at the Cleveland Indians stadium in his youth!
As his daughters, we are blessed to have had such a devoted and loving father. Richard made a lasting impression on all those around him with his logic, humor and positive attitude. He was a caring mentor to so many. His assuring confident guidance will be missed, but he left a small piece of his spirit in each of us. We love you Richard, peace be with you.
Richard will be inurned in the Memorial Garden of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Falls Church, VA. Services will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org)
or Capital Caring’s Adler Center in Aldie, VA (capitalcaring.org)
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