John H. Thomas, Priest Associate of St. John’s Episcopal Church, of Newtonville died on March 12, 2009 at the Newton Wellesley Hospital in Newton. He was 85.
Born in Augusta ME, he graduated from Concord High School in Concord NH, Yale University and the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge. He was the Rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Weston CT from 1952 until 1966. He also was active with National Common Cause and had served as Chairman of the New Hampshire office. He was an advocate for anti poverty and peace causes, was an administrator in the US Dept of Health and Human Services, and enjoyed playing the trumpet in the Newton Senior Band.
Beloved husband of Sheila Skiffington, he is survived by his sons William, James, Peter, Benjamin and Alan, his daughters Martha and Bethany and their spouses, his mother in law Hazel Miskiavitch, his sisters Helen, Elizabeth, Mildred and Margaret 18 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be held on Mon March 16 at11 AM in St. John’s Episcopal Church 297 Lowell Ave Newtonville. Relatives and friends are kindly invited.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church Memorial Garden 297 Lowell Ave. Newton, MA 02460 or the Episcopal City Mission 138 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02111.
Arrangements by Eaton & Mackay Funeral Home Newton Corner.