William J. Thomas MD

HYANNIS - William Joseph Thomas, M.D., 79, of Hyannis died at his home on October 4, 2012. Bill was born on March 19, 1933 to Marie Raub Thomas and George N. Thomas in Vineland, NJ. He attended La Salle High School and College in Philadelphia, PA (Class of 1951). He then attended Jefferson Medical School (1951-1955). After completing medical school, Bill joined the US Navy. While stationed in Newport, R.I. he met Grace A. Murphy (Deceased). Bill and Grace married April 22, 1961. Bill is survived by his 4 children and 6 grandchildren: Caroline Thomas Huh and her husband John Huh of Walnut Creek CA and their sons John and Nicholas; William J. Thomas, Jr, of Merrimack, NH and his daughters Elizabeth and Sarah of Billerica, MA; Jennifer Razi-Thomas and her wife Andrea Razi-Thomas of Melrose, MA and their two daughters Cailin and Claire; Stephen Thomas and his husband John Morris of Hamden, CT. Additionally, he is survived by his brother George Thomas of Haverford, PA.

Bill Thomas helped thousands of patients over a distinguished career in Adult Psychiatry. After his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Bill worked at the VA Hospital of Boston; Medfield State Hospital; Harrington Memorial Hospital, Norwood Hospital, Pondville Hospital in addition to maintaining a large and robust private practice in Norwood and Dover, MA for over 20 years.

A life-long lover of music, Bill was an accomplished pianist often giving concerts for his neighbors in Dover, Massachusetts where he lived and raised his family for over twenty-five years.

Bill and Grace moved to Cape Cod in 1994 and resided in Hyannis since 1999.

Bill was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis over 40 years ago. He never complained about the debilitating disease and would find joy in each and every day.

The Thomas family would like to thank all of Bill’s caregivers throughout the years. Bill was able to die peacefully in his home due to their wonderful care and loving commitment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Philadelphia Academy of Music Restoration Fund, 240 South Broad St, Philadelphia PA 19102 which will provide instruction to under-privileged, young musicians or to Hope Hospice of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601 or on-line at www.HopeHealthCo.org.

A memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 12th 2012 at Our Lady of Victory Parish, 230 South Main St, Centerville, MA 02632.