Born and raised in Genoa, Ohio to the late Edwin and Cora (Burditt) Digby, Thomas went on to pursue a higher education in Medicine, earning his BA from Johns Hopkins University and his MD from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, followed by three years of pediatric residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1969 Thomas served in the US Army Medical Corps and in 1971 he settled in Sussex County, where he opened the first pediatric medical practice in the county. During his career, Thomas served in numerous leadership positions including Chief of Pediatrics and Chief of the Medical Staff of Newton Memorial Hospital. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of Newton Memorial Hospital where he served one term as Board Chair.
Thomas was very involved in his community as a member of numerous organizations including the George Jackson Scholarship Committee, the SCCC Board of Trustees, the Newton Country Club, and the Newton Rotary Club where he received recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow.
In his spare time, Thomas enjoyed golfing, opera music, traveling, learning about art history and visiting museums around the world.
Thomas is survived by his daughter Allison Digby Tamasaukas (Charles); sons Gordon W. Digby and Charles E. Digby (Meg); grandsons Justin Walker Tamasaukas (Laura), Thomas Digby, Trevor Digby, and Owen Digby; granddaughter Maddie Digby; and great-grandson Walker Tamasaukas.
Thomas is also lovingly known as Poppie by his grandchildren and “Doctor Bow-Tie” by many of his countless patients and parents.
His family and friends will fondly remember his telling of his many stories, including outrunning 2 angry chimpanzees in a medical school lab and the great college “Christmas Tree Caper.”
The family would like to thank all the wonderful people who helped us while Dad was at Bristol Glen, Newton Memorial Hospital and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. We are so grateful for each of you.
A memorial visitation for Thomas will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 from 1 pm to 5 pm with a memorial service beginning at 5 pm at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton, NJ 07860.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Sussex County Community College Foundation for Student Scholarships; Newton Medical Center Foundation or The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
