Leonard Aloysius Thomas, 94, of Port Charlotte, FL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at his Port Charlotte residence.
Leonard, or L.A., as he was known to his family and friends, was born the third child of nine children, to the late John Leonard and Margaret (nee – Abell) Thomas, on May 19, 1923 in Calvary, Kentucky.
Having established his independence at an early age, he joined the U.S. Army Air Force, and served his country honorably, in World War II and Korean War.
Using his military training after returning to civilian life, he worked for a government contractor in Connecticut as an Aircraft Electrician, specializing in Helicopter Manufacture. In addition he also had his own business installing aluminum storm windows, doors and vinyl siding.
He and his wife moved to Connecticut in the late fifties and settled in Derby until 1966 where they then moved to Seymour. After raising six children with his wife Priscilla, they retired to Port Charlotte from their longtime home of Connecticut. He was a former member of The Good Sheppard Catholic Church in Seymour, American Legion Post 110 in Port Charlotte, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 98, of Charlotte Harbor, FL, and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, also in Port Charlotte.
He is survived by his beloved wife of over 64 years, Priscilla J. (nee – Smith) Thomas, and six children; daughters Beverly (Hsb. Frank) Kwiatkowski, of North Port, FL, and Cheryl Martone of Seymour, CT; sons Mark Thomas of Seymour, CT, John Thomas of Port Charlotte, FL, Leonard A. (Wf. Suzanne) Thomas, Jr., of North Haven, CT, and Paul (Wf. Gina) Thomas, also of Seymour, CT; several grandchildren Lori Myers, James Martone, Nick Martone, Ashley Thornton and Elyse Thornton and great grandchildren Brett & Carly Myers, Josh & Abrianna Martone and Thea Thornton; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his four sisters Maryola Rawlings, Justine Russell, Pauline Spalding and Eunice Thomas and four brothers Leon Thomas, Monroe Thomas, Clifton Thomas and Cyril Thomas all of Kentucky.
A private committal with military honors by the U.S. Air Force will be held at Restlawn Memorial Gardens’ cemetery in Port Charlotte, Florida. A memorial service celebrating Leonard’s life will be held in August in Connecticut.
Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.
