Leonel "Bubba" Thomas, 92, of New Bedford died Friday June 28, 2013 at Hathaway Manor with his daughter and grandson at his bedside. He was the husband of the late Sally (Ponichtera) Thomas. He was married to his wonderful wife for 53 years.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Leonel and Alexandrina (Macabello) Thomas, he lived in New Bedford for all of his life.
Mr. Thomas was formerly employed by Wamsutta Mills and J.C. Rhodes until his retirement.
During World War II, he served as a medic in the U.S. Army in Okinawa and later at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.
Bubba, who was also known as Leo and Mr. T., loved sports and played baseball for Baylies Memorial in his younger days. He later coached for the Wamsutta Mills softball team. He was an avid New York Yankees fan. He enjoyed spending time at Burger King on Tarkiln Hill Road, where he had a wide circle of friends among the employees and patrons.
He is survived his daughter, Sandra L. Giammalvo of New Bedford; and his grandson, Thomas J. Giammalvo, who was his pride and joy.
He was the father-in-law of the late James A. Giammalvo, the brother of the late Alexandrina Chevalier, and brother-in-law of the late Lydia and John Janasiewicz and Albert Chevalier.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday morning from 9-10:30 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the James A. Giammalvo Scholarship Fund, c/o 261 Cornell St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.