WESTFIELD – Philip Walter Thomas Sr., 81 of Westfield died Friday, August 24, 2012 in Holyoke Soldiers Home. He was born on April 3, 1931 in North Otis to Henry Isaiah Thomas and Flora May Parker.Philip lived in Chester and attended local schools there. He lived in Westfield, West Springfield and for 30 years in Becket before moving back to Westfield in 2003. He was employed at the former Digital Equipment Corp. in Westfield. He also worked at Foster Machine, Hamilton Emery, Southworth Paper Co., Strong’s Express, Rural Gas and Saykin Furniture.
Philip leaves his wife of sixty-two years, Barbara Ann (Gerrish) Thomas, having married in August of 1950. He leaves two daughters, Barbara Ann LeBlanc of Westfield and Shelley Louise Messenger of Russell and a son, Philip Walter Thomas Jr. of Agawam. Philip also leaves six grandchildren, Heather and Kevin Pighetti both of Westfield, Rachal Salem of Becket, Ronald Messenger and Brian and Scott Thomas all of Agawam and seven great grandchildren, Austin and Allyson Salem, Anthony Pighetti, Nicholas Pighetti, twins, Michael and Mia Pighetti and Gabriel Thomas. He was predeceased by his siblings, Parker, Mildred, Ruth and Wendell Thomas.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in Pine Hill Cemetery in Chester. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Philip’s memory may be made to The Friends of the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.
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