Obituary of John-L. -And-Barbara-J. -Dunn Thomas

GLENVILLE John L. Thomas, 76, and his wife Barbara J. Dunn Thomas, 75, of Swaggertown Road, tragically passed away along side each other, on Sunday afternoon June 26, 2005. They both sadly died following injuries sustained in an automobile accident. John was born in Schenectady on May 16, 1929, a son of the late Anthony and Martella Esposito Tommasone Sr. He was raised and educated in Schenectady schools. John was an accomplished musician, who cherished his accordion and keyboard. He was a member of the Local 85 Musicians Union. John was a very gifted craftsman and master plumber. Throughout his career as a plumbing and heating contractor, John was employed at Union College and owned and operated Thomas Plumbing and Heating. Barbara was born in Schenectady on February 19, 1930, a daughter of the late Lewis and Alma Herzog Dunn. She was educated and raised in Scotia. After World War II, Barbara worked at General Electric as a secretary. She spent most of her life being a devoted homemaker and taking great care of her family. For 10 years Barbara was employed as a unit secretary for the Glendale Nursing Home. She loved cooking for her family, camping in the Adirondacks, was an avid bird watcher, and truly took pleasure in tracking family genealogy. John and Barbara were united in marriage on June 30, 1951. The couple's survivors, who were their greatest enjoyment, include their children, John L. Jr. and his wife Susan Thomas of Charlton, Gail and her husband Steven Lysiak of Esperance, Martella and her husband Matthew Van De Bogart of Scotia, Christopher Thomas of Rexford, the late Robert S. Thomas and Glen Thomas. John's siblings include, Mary Corvino of Glenville, Jennie Grecco of Glenville, Marlene Allen of Schenectady, Anthony Thomas Jr. and wife Irene of Colonie and the late Carm Damania and Rose Sarrutto. Brother-in-law of John Sarrutto and the late John Grecco, Richard Allen and Fred Corvino. Barbara's siblings include Carolyn Vincent of Strafford, N.Y., Andrew Dunn and wife Muriel of Mineral, Va., William Dunn and his wife Carol of Rolystone, Perth, Australia and the late Lois Neimi. Sister-in-law of Harry Neimi of Clawson, Mich. Also survived by 12 grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and their devoted dog, Joey. Calling hours to which relatives and friends are invited to attend will be held Wednesday evening from 4 to 8 at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, Union at N. Jay Streets, Schenectady. Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 10 a.m. at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, with the Reverend Thomas Gregg officiating. John and Barbara will be buried next to their sons, following the service in Park Cemetery, Scotia.