Obituary of Robert Richard Thomas

Robert, (Bob) Richard, Thomas, 76, unexpectedly passed away at Baypath Nursing and Rehabilitation in Duxbury, MA on May 10th 2023. 

Robert, fondly known as "Bob" or "Big Bob" was born on September 28th 1946 in New Bedford, MA. He is predeceased by his parents John and Mary (Texeria) Thomas also of New Bedford, as well as his siblings Ralph "Wayne" (and wife Dorothy) Thomas and sister Jeanne Thomas. 

Bob was a Veteran of the National Guard, where he was an expert shooter- he received an honorable discharge at the end of his term. After his time in the service, Bob went on to have a long career at Duro Textiles in Fall River, MA, where he was recognized for his 42 years there. This bring us to his retirement in 2014.He has spent his happy retirement days with his beloved wife, Joanne M Thomas, to whom he celebrated 56 years of marriage with, on September 17th.

A great way to describe the type of man Bob was is by a phrase his great granddaughter always said " If Grampa can't fix it, no one can!". Bob not only had a heart of gold, but was also truly the type of man to give the shirt off his back for someone he cared about. He was there before anyone actually had a chance to say they needed help with something. He always found a way of fixing something or making it work with what he had in his toolbox.He adored and lived for his family, and his beloved trucks. 

Bob was a resident of New Bedford, MA for most of his life,excluding the last 16 years. Those were spent in Carver, MA, where he and his wife bought a home next door to his brother ,Ralph Wayne Thomas, which brought him great joy.Bob wanted out of the city and a quiet place to enjoy his retirement.

 Bob will be greatly missed by his wife, Joanne. M Thomas, whom he shared almost 6 decades with. He is also survived by his two sons, Robert. R Thomas Jr and Phillip, A Thomas, as well as his "adopted" son Michael Ruona. In addition to his sons, he is survived by a nephew ,Wayne Thomas Jr and family. 

Bob also leaves behind 3 grandchildren. One grandson- William R Thomas of West Greenwich,RI (and wife Margaret M Thomas). Two granddaughters; Laura Breig  of New Bedford (and husband Patrick Breig) and Julia Thomas (of New Hampshire).

Lastly- he had one great granddaughter, Aaliyah Haylie Thomas who dubbed him "Grampa" rather than Grandad, as his grandchildren called him. Bob absolutely adored having a great grandchild. He described it as a new chance. He gave up his summers every year ,since she was born ,to spend with his favorite little girl. He truly loved, and embraced being a grandfather and great grandfather. He will be missed beyond words by each and every life that he touched. He was a bright light in this world, a truly loving ,genuine ,human being who could put a smile on any and everyone's face.

Per the family, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to Roxies Place Animal Sanctuary, where his "grandpups" were from. Bob loved animals of all kinds, but he had a special connection with the pups from this Sanctuary. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/yxds95-roxie039s-place-animal-sanctuary/donate?fbclid=IwAR27CUcr-iCbH36lduWtGicPhAdvhY2C9dIf2jkyiY463xhEEAk8R4kQGPE