Raymond G. Thomas, Sr., 70, of Guilford, passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2012. He was the husband of Sheila Thomas. Raymond was born in New Haven on December 14, 1941; son of the late Francis and Louise Agro Thomas. He was in charge of the operations for T. Agro Tile, Inc. of Wallingford for many years. He was a Little League baseball coach and a New York Yankees fan. Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed many fun and peaceful moments with family and friends at his cabin in the woods on Quimby Mountain in Killington, Vermont. Father of Raymond G. (Dianna) Thomas, Jr., Debora Thomas, Michael (Amy) Thomas, Colleen Thomas and the late Jeffrey Thomas. Brother of Lillian (William) Weaver, Jean (Lee) Cotter, Ralph (Marcia) Thomas, William Thomas, the late John and Robert Thomas. Devoted grandfather to Maya, Teila and Ethan Thomas, Ben and Rachel Rolli, Mikenzie and Cole Thomas, and uncle to many special nieces & nephews. Ray truly enjoyed being kind and helpful to others and his presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends may call at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue on Saturday afternoon, March 24th from 2 to 4 pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for children.
I was thinking today that Uncle Ray had Gram’s (his mother’s) gift for being able to give you that one brief look, with a glint in his eye, that made you know instantly that he cared about you, that you were special to him. I think that’s maybe one reason he was so good with kids. They knew that despite his imposing frame, they could trust him and that he was safe. A rare combination of strength and gentleness. He was a great uncle to have.
So sorry for loss
Ray was a caring and thoughtful person, always available to lend a hand to a neighbor or friend. He will be greatly missed.
Although the last time I saw Uncle Ray, my God Father, was at my own Dads funeral. I will miss him a lot. He was so warm and kind, what a great Uncle. The memory that stands out the most is baseball at the family picnics. Uncle Ray pitched a lot and made us all feel like we were Evan Longoria. Rest peacefully U.R.
We all miss you so much, your smile, your humor, your kindness – we love you !!
You were so full of life!!! You also had an amazing way with children. I remember one day that stands out…I attended the Thomas cousins Christmas party with my two kids who are very shy and you made them really open up. My daughter sat right next to you and you helped her with a game of cards. I really loved that moment and had to take a picture. So thank you for that it really meant a lot to me. I’m sure there are many who have special stories like me that will hold a special place in their hearts too. I won’t forget you!!!!