Obituary of Joseph E. Thomas

Joe Thomas was born 9/12/26 in Philadelphia.. He attended North Catholic High School but his schooling was interrupted by the war, At the age of 16, he won a bet - he joined the marines , defying the odds by stating that he was 17. As a member of FMF (Fleet Marine Force) on the USSS Vicksburg he saw action in Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He married Sue Giorgi in 1950 and has a family of 4. He worked as a Quality Control inspector for Heintz manufacturing in Olney for 40 years. In addition, he had many P/T jobs in sports his lifetime passion which he passed on to his sons. He worked as an usher at Connie Mack Stadium, The Palestra and the Eagles home field at Penn's Franklin Field. He was the Chaplian for the VFW in Conshohocken, he was an avid bowler for over 50 years and later on was choir member at St Philip Neri along with singing and dancing in many church follies. His recent Residence at Masonic Village he demonstrated his musical talents often. He loved the Big Bands, The Jitterbug and a cigar after each Eagles victory. He saw The Phillies in the World Series in 1950, 1980, 1983, 1993 and 2008. In 2011 his son wrote an ebook on Amazon entitled A Marine Story (The story of JET) the book describes his WWII experience in fine detail. When he was asked years later if he was frightened during the bombardment of Iwo Jima and the kamikaze attacks in Okinawa - He replied " I carried the 40mm shell and passed it to the other guy." He is survived by two daughters: Paula deLong (Fred) of Wayne, PA, Assunta Schmoyer (Jim) and two sons: Joseph Thomas, Louis Thomas (Donna); Brother of one sister: Eileen Macht and two brothers: Robert Thomas, Albert Thomas; ; 5 Grandchildren- Dianna, Nicholas, Christina , Alexander and Ana.,1 Great Grandaughter-Giorgi A Mass of Christian burial will be held 12:00 pm on Thursday, March 10 at Saint Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA. 19444. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Calling hours will be Thursday, March 10 from 10:30-12noon at Saint Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA.. Memorial donations may be made to The Holy Terrors Stars ,3350 Brighton St. Phila.Pa.19149 (a Nonprofit Sports Program for Special Children) holyterrorsstars.web.com .