Randy S. Thomas, 63, of New Bedford passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday August 11, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Martha Paine-Thomas. He was the son of the late James and Marion Thomas.
In addition to his wife, Martha, he is survived by his three daughters, Chrystal Thomas, Holly Thomas Cisneros and her husband Julian, and Shauna Lynn Aponte and her husband Raul; his son, Charles Paine and his companion Rachael Judge; several grandchildren, Tyler Surprenant, Kyleah Andrade, Brittany Torres, Avery Alyssa Stefanik, Michael Stefanik, Cameron Carmen Aponte, Elena Aponte, De-Lijah Smith, Ja-Leah Pena, Davani Hunt, Madison Paine, Camilla Paine and Kiera Santos, as well as his great-grandchildren, Braylynn Lake, Jezabelle Smith, Brady Andrade, Melody Leon and Jesse Leon. He also leaves his siblings, James Thomas Jr and his wife Ann, Maud Vieira, Ronald Shurtleff, Nancy Gonsalves and husband Joe, and Ramona McCain.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Roger Piche, Sr., Harrison Shurtleff, and Francis Shurtleff.
Randy was employed by the New Bedford Port Authority. He also had been a home delivery carrier for the Standard-Times for 19 years. He had attended Fairhaven High School.
Randy enjoyed spending time with his family and making the most out of his life. Randy loved to go “Day Tripping” with his wife Martha. As he would say he loved living the “Van Life.” They were known to hop in their car or van and head off to the “parts unknown.” They were always taking day trips to go find new adventures, at the end of the day Randy would always say “Thanks for a good day.” He loved to share with everyone the adventures they had been on and the places they had discovered. Randy enjoyed keeping busy. He enjoyed tinkering around with various projects. He enjoyed cooking on the grill and sitting by the fire. You could always find him at the South End boat ramp or down on the docks at the New Bedford Pier. He loved being by the water. Randy was a proud member of AA and grateful for his sobriety.
His visitation will be held on Monday August 16, 2021 from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. The family requests that guests wear masks inside the funeral home. In remembrance of Randy’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts. Please donate by making a check payable to The Arc of Massachusetts. Please indicate the donation is for AFAM in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to AFAM c/o The Arc of Massachusetts, 217 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.