Dean S. Thomas Jr. ’35

Dean S. Thomas Jr. ’35 died on May 26, 2015, in Penfield, New York.

(The following was published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on July 12, 2015)

Born 14 August 1914, Yarmouth ME; died 26 May 2015, Penfield, NY. Son of Deane Stanley Thomas (1887-1980) & Doris Louise Fisher Thomas (nee Amick; 1891-1979), both of Portland, ME. He is predeceased by his wife Helen Cox Thomas (1918-1994); & his sisters Shirley Thomas Thompson (1912-2002), & Lois Thomas Perry (1918-2007). His sister Audrey Thomas resides in Portland, ME.

He graduated cum laude from Bowdoin College, ME, in 1935 with majors in chemistry, physics & mathematics. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. After graduating, he worked as an inspector for the Passamaquoddy Bay Tidal Power Project. At Boston University, from 1936-1938, he earned a MA in analytical chemistry. Upon graduation, he was employed by Eastman Kodak as a research chemist. His career there was interrupted by military service in the Army Air Corps (1942-1946), where he attained the rank of Captain. During the war, he served as weather officer for the 21st Bombardment Wing, Topeka KA, & the 43rd Weather Wing, Manila, Philippines. Resuming his career at Kodak, he became a Section Supervisor in the Photographic Technology Division, a co-inventor on seven patents, & co-author of several professional journal articles.

He retired in 1976. An active member of his community, he served for ten years on the Webster Central School Board, & as Assistant Scoutmaster for local Boy Scout Troop 163. He contributed to many causes, including the Bowdoin Alumni Fund, the Rochester Memorial Art Gallery, the Rochester Museum & Science Center, George Eastman House, Seneca Park Zoo, Cumberland Island Museum, & the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund. He was an enthusiastic winemaker & an avid gardener. He loved classical music & science fiction, picnicking, target shooting, cooking on a grill he designed himself, &, after retirement, playing poker with his “poker buddies”.

He created many rich memories for his children, Stephen Cox Thomas (wife Sybil Jones); Jill Anne Anderson (husband Pete, daughters Kristina & Katherine); & Alison Mary Thomas.

Add a Reminiscence:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *