Anthony “Tommy” Hardin Thomas, beloved father, grandfather/Giddo, uncle, and friend passed away Monday, May 11, 2020 enveloped in the prayers of his loving family. Anthony was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margaret “Peggy” (Abraham) Thomas, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage, and their son Anthony, Jr.
Anthony is survived by his three daughters and their families – Rosemarie Twomey and her husband Rick of Dartmouth, Patricia Thomas and her partner Rebecca Schade of New Bedford, and Joan Thomas Mello her husband Michael of New Bedford; five grandchildren – Joseph Twomey and his wife Mary of Westport, David Twomey and his wife Suzanne of Hanover, Jacob Twomey of San Diego, and Loredana and Michael Mello of New Bedford; and his great-grandchildren Grace, Margaret, William, Owen and Norah. He was also blessed with his extended family of nieces, nephews, Godchildren and cousins.
Anthony was born in 1926 in New Bedford. His parents, Rachael (Jacob) and Michael Hardin Thomas were from Ehmej, Lebanon. Anthony is predeceased by his beloved sisters Anna Thomas and Mary Hardin, and by his brother Joseph Thomas.
During World War II Anthony served in the 66th Infantry Division (later became the 42nd Rainbow Division) as an anti-tank specialist that fought in France. While in France, Anthony met General George Patton. Anthony was honorably discharged from the Army on June 8, 1946. He received the Bronze Star for heroic achievement. He also received the European-African Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Of Occupation Medal, the WWII Victory Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation.
Later, Anthony and Margaret established the long time grocery store Thomas’ Market on County St. in New Bedford. Anthony was well respected and loved by his customers and that love and respect was mutual. There at Thomas’ Market, Anthony and wife Margaret introduced tabouli, humous, and kibbe sandwiches to the general public. Thomas was also President of the New Bedford Grocers’ Association in the 1970’s, when there were dozens of independent grocers in the City.
Anthony was a well-known singer in the Middle East band, The Arabian Knights and his band performed in New Bedford and the Eastern Seaboard for three decades opening for Danny Thomas and other Lebanese luminaries. Anthony was known for his skill and artistry as a singer and presenter of ‘Attaba – a form of poetry song.
The Arabian Knights also often preformed to support his beloved church; a devout Maronite Catholic, Anthony was a man of deep faith. He was a lifelong parishioner at Our Lady of Purgatory Church and he often spoke of the time in his youth when he rebuilt the present church after a fire. He was a faithful member of the St. Joseph Sodality, and served on various Church committees.
Anthony also relished the days at his summer cottage in West Wind Shores with family, his trips to Lebanon, and the trips to Florida & around the U.S. with wife Peggy.
The family sincerely thanks the many home health professionals, the Veterans Administration, friends and clergy who have helped and visited these past 7 years. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Our Lady’s Haven for their loving care. In Memory of Anthony Thomas, donations may be made to Our Lady Of Purgatory Church, 11 Franklin Street, New Bedford, MA, 02740.
Anthony will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings, his Maronite Mass of Holy Burial at Our Lady of Purgatory Church and burial service at St. Mary’s Cemetery will be private for immediate family. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.