NORWICH – William R. Thomas, Jr., 75, of Norwich and formerly of Johnson City, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010 at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City.
Born March 9, 1935 in Trenton, N.J., William was the son of W. Russell and M. Carmelita (Walsh) Thomas. He graduated from Catholic Boys High School and then received his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. He was a life-long Georgetown Hoyas and Philadelphia Phillies fan. After serving with the United States Army, William worked for five years at the First Trenton National Bank before moving to the Southern Tier to work for IBM as a programmer from 1965 until his retirement in 1991. He moved to Norwich in 2005.
He was a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club.
On Oct. 31, 1959, on Governor’s Island, William married Barbara “Kelly” Kelleher, of Norwich, who survives. He is also survived by three daughters, Deborah L. Sutton and her husband, Thomas, of Norwich, Suzanne M. Thomas of Tully and Mary Kathleen Sylvester and her husband, John, of Endicott; five grandchildren, Tyler Saroka, Cassie and Michael Sutton and Joey and Sam Sylvester; a sister, Peggy Ellen (Bill) McDermott of Pennington, N.J. and a brother, Barry (Libby) Thomas of Florida. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Gregory Thomas.
Private memorial services for William will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.
Contributions in memory of William may be made to the Nursing Home of Chenango Memorial Hospital, 179 N. Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.