John W. Thomas Jr.

John W. Thomas, Jr. passed away on September 25, 2023, in Deerfield Beach, FL. John was

born January 25, 1937, in Bay Shore, NY and graduated from NY State Maritime College (Fort

Schuyler Academy) in 1958. After graduation he moved to Virginia to start his career as a ship

captain. He lived in Yorktown, VA, Portland, OR, Chadds Ford, PA, Key Largo, and finally, Pine

Island, FL. He spent his career as a ship captain and in ship building as well as owning a family

marine business in Key Largo, FL for 13 years with his wife and son John.

John married his high school sweetheart Paula after graduating college and raised three

children; John, Bill, and Susan. John was a devoted husband of 53 years. He was an avid

sportsman who loved boating, fishing, hunting, camping and was a certified Dive Master. He

spent as much time as possible doing what he loved with his family and friends. He was a

proud member of Freemasonry for over 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife Paula and son John W. Thomas III. He is survived by his

brother Dave (Diane) Thomas of Seaford, DE, son William (Tammy) Thomas of Hockessin, DE,

daughter Susan Brookes of Lighthouse Point, FL, 6 grandchildren; Christopher Thomas, Summer

Gasque, Ashley and Kristi Thomas, Trevor and Jett Brookes, and 2 great-grandchildren; Jaden

and Jazlyn Goodrum.

His ashes will be scattered at sea off Key Largo, FL to be with his wife Paula. A service will be

held at The Masonic Lodge in Tavernier, FL on Saturday December 2, 2023 at 1:00pm.