Obituary of Frank W. Thomas

Frank W. Thomas, of Buchanan NY, 94, passed away on 11/25/2017. Born in Niagara Falls, New York, he was the son of Mathilda (Miller) and Laceson Thomas. He is predeceased by brothers Robert and Earl Thomas. Frank married Dorothy Travis of Peekskill, NY, on July 21, 1946, and were married for more than 68 years, until her passing in February 2015. He is survived by daughter Ellen (Joe) Chindano of Buchanan, NY, and son Charles (Barbara) Thomas of Newburgh, NY. He is also survived by grandson Kevin (Amina) Thomas of Cornwall, NY and granddaughter Carissa Thomas of Modena, NY. Frank was a proud veteran of World War II, leaving college to enlist in the US Army. He would see service in both North Africa and Italy, in the Signal Corps. He would earn the rank of Technician Grade 4 (Sergeant), and served in cryptography. He was assigned with his Signal Company to the British Tenth Corps while in Italy, and would see action in the amphibious assaults at Salerno and Anzio, as well as the Cassino Campaign, and the liberation of Rome. Among his military awards was the Good Conduct Medal. After the war, Frank would complete his education, and would eventually earn degrees and certificates from SUNY New Paltz, Columbia University, and Hunter College. Frank would spend much of his life in the service of education and the community. He would serve 44 years in the Hendrick Hudson School District, as both teacher and administrator. This would include 20 years as Principal of the Blue Mountain Middle School. During his tenure at Blue Mountain, the school became the first middle school in New York State to be selected as a “School of Excellence” by the US Dept. of Education. Frank would also serve on the board of the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. Frank’s greatest loves were his wife and family. Among his fondest memories were spending time with his grandchildren, and walking the beaches of the Atlantic from Maine to Florida, with his beloved Dorothy. Frank’s strong belief in service to his community continued until the end of his life. In addition to his commitment to the Church of Divine Love in Montrose, NY, he would serve over 48 years as a volunteer at the Hudson Valley Hospital, and was active in the Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Peekskill Lincoln Society, and the Buchanan Seniors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Altar Guild of the Church of Divine Love, 80 Sunset Road, Montrose, NY 10548 Visiting Hours and Memorial Service, from 11 am to 1 pm 12/02/2017 at the Joseph F Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington St., Peekskill NY 10566.