Robert Joseph Thomas

Robert Joseph Thomas passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025, after a long battle with esophageal cancer. He was born November 3, 1957, in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, right outside of Pittsburgh. It is a city of community, family, friendship and diverse ethnic backgrounds.

He graduated from Valley High School in 1975. After high school he attended Penn State University, New Ken Campus. He joined the Navy in 1982 and was stationed in San Diego as a Class “A” Yeoman. He was deployed on the USS Chandler guided missile destroyer and had assignments in the Western Pacific as a member of Battle Group BRAVO. He also spent several months in the Arabian Gulf as a member of the U.S. Navy’s Middle East Force. For the competitive cycle ending in June 1986, Chandler was the winner of the squadron’s Battle Efficiency competition. Robert then went on to work at the Pentagon serving the Chief of Naval Operations. He was honored to serve under President Reagan, with whom he was involved in several meetings. He eventually moved out west to Tacoma Washington with a Navy buddy of his and he worked at the American Lake Veteran Affairs, a part of the Puget Sound Health Care System. He loved helping people.

Bob grew up loving sports, especially the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers and Penguins. He went to as many games as possible including many to watch his favorite player, Roberto Clemente. He enjoyed living in Pittsburgh during the Championship years in the 70’s watching several Super Bowl Titles and World Series Championships. He was always happy to talk to anybody, especially about God, his Country, sports and food. He had a great sense of humor.

Bob moved to NC in 2020 to be closer to family as he started having health issues. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Demetrius Thomas and Dolores Sample Thomas, his Grandparents and several Aunts and Uncles.

He is survived by his 5 sisters: Cheryl Thomas Sheads, Charlene Thomas McCarthy (Paul), Caron Thomas Sharp (Jack), Carole Thomas Herndon (Terry), and Cynthia Thomas Black; eleven nieces and nephews; 13 grand nieces and nephews; several cousins; and his 2 sons of whom he was very proud.

The family thanks the medical team at Novant Derrick L. Davis Cancer Center for the excellent care and love given to Bob throughout his long battle. He also had a short stay at the Kate B Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston Salem and they were all amazing caregivers.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Winston-Salem, NC at a later date. Memorials may be made to Cancer Services, Inc. https://cancerservicesonline.org as well as The Shepherd’s Center in Winston-Salem, https://www.shepherdscenter.org