Richard W. Thomas, 80, died April 5, 2012 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Salem, Mass., to Harry and Nathalie (Gilman) Thomas. After graduating from Salem High School where he excelled as a baseball player, he attended Sewanee University in Tennessee. He enlisted in the Army during the Korean Conflict and served in the Communications Division as an MP. After discharge he enrolled at Boston University and graduated with a BA in business. He spent over 50 years in the Insurance Industry specializing in Marine and International Insurance. He served 5 years as president of the Georgetown Historical Society and as a Commissioner of the Essex County National Historical Association.
He is survived by his wife Elisabeth (Jaacks) Thomas, his cousins Merideth and Ed Clisby of Marblehead, their son Josh, Lee and Paul Robinson of Dorchester, her daughter Allegra, his daughter HelenWatson-Felt of Salem and her children, Caroline and Colin.
ARRANGEMENTS: Services and internment will be private.
Arrangements are under the care of the Merton E. Roberts, Jr. and Conte Funeral Home of Georgetown, Mass.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Congregational Church of Georgetown, 7 Andover St., Georgetown, MA 01833; or to Grace Church in Salem, 385 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970.
