Joseph M. Thomas, 86, of New Bedford died unexpectedly at home on November 24, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Norma Thomas; they had been married for 48 years.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Michael and Rachel (Jacob) Thomas, he lived all of his life in New Bedford.
He was a communicant of Our Lady of Purgatory Church and a member of the American Lebanese Veteran’s Association. He served in the Korean War from 1952-1954.
Joseph worked as a social worker for the Department of Social Services for 25 years where he could always be counted on to help someone in need.
Affectionately known as “Joey”, he had a zest for life and brought a smile to all who knew him. A die-hard Red Sox fan, he said his life was complete when the Sox won the World Series in 2004. He enjoyed playing the lottery and was often found at Vermette’s placing a wager (or two or three). More recently he could be found driving his wife through the streets of New Bedford and Dartmouth.
A true family man, he was the embodiment of unconditional love. He often said his grandchildren were the light of his life and he will be sorely missed.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother Anthony H. Thomas of New Bedford; daughter Sarah Thomas and her husband Nigel Hitchings of Mattapoisett; daughter Rachael Higgins and her husband Daniel of New Bedford; and son Michael Thomas and his wife Kelly of New Bedford. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Paul, Joshua, Timothy, Anna, Joseph, Cole, Saffron and Helen; his great-grandson Brayden; and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was the brother of the late Mary Hardin and Anna Thomas.
His Funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 28th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by the Divine Liturgy in Our Lady of Purgatory Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, November 27th from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org in honor of his wife.