Beshara S. Thomas, 88, of New Bedford, died June 16, 2011, at New Bedford Healthcare Center after a long illness.
He was the husband of the late Frossena (David) Thomas.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Saseen and Marina (Thomas) Thomas, he lived in New Bedford most of his life, except for a few years in Florida.
Mr. Thomas was a communicant of Our Lady of Purgatory Maronite Catholic Church in New Bedford.
He was formerly employed as a meat cutter at several local shops and at Otis Air Force Base.
In the U.S. Navy during World War II, he served as a cook on one of the ships that delivered troops to the D-Day invasion in Normandy.
He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and reminiscing with relatives. His entire life, he savored every bite of every meal, especially those shared with family on the holidays. A man who valued family, he was very close to his sisters and several of his nieces and Godchildren.
Survivors include his sister, Helen Pittsley of New Bedford; 3 grandchildren, Tanya Feke, Kimberly Algarin and Dennis Thomas; 5 great-grandchildren, Tyler, Jewel, Makayla, Gilbert and Charlotte; several nieces, nephews and Godchildren, great nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late George Thomas, Dennis Thomas and Richard Wayne Thomas, and the brother of the late Emily Nemer and Amelia Bramwell.
The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, June 23rd at 10 AM at Our Lady of Purgatory Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.