Emanuel Thomas

Emanuel Thomas, a long time resident of Stamford and a beloved member of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangels community, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, at his home surrounded by his family, on March 2, 2011. He was 82.

Emanuel was the oldest of three children born to Chrysanthi and Anastasios Thomas in the village of Agios Demetris near Karystos, Evoias, Greece. Years later, he moved to the United States and for a time resided in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn NY where he received a degree from a local technical college that would prepare him for his career as a draftsman and tool designer. He also met and married his wife of 56 years, Vasiliki Lekas, and shortly thereafter, his oldest son, Anastasios was born. In November 1962, Emanuel and his family moved to Stamford where a year later, his youngest son John Emanuel Thomas was born.

As a result of his technical training, Emanuel began his successful career as draftsman/tool designer with Norden Systems-United Aircraft in Norwalk, where he became a key member of a team involved in designing and building the engines currently in service on the Boeing 747 passenger jets. Years later, he had a successful career with Pitney Bowes where he distinguished himself until his early retirement in the late 80's.

While enjoying a successful professional career, Emanuel was also a loving father and husband who always was there for his sons and his wife. He supported his two sons varied interests, and he developed a talent for home improvement projects which resulted in the building of a patio behind his home where he hosted many barbeques and social events with friends and family alike. Some of his other hobbies included photography (for which he won numerous awards) and music. He also taught Sunday school at the aforementioned Church of the Archangels for many years. In his later years, he and Vasiliki enjoyed traveling together.

Emanuel is survived by his loving wife Vasiliki Lekas Thomas, his oldest son, Anastasios Emanuel Thomas, his daughter-in-law Samah Chadli Thomas, and his precious granddaughter Salma Thomas. He is also survived by his two sisters, Sophia Sideris of Trumbull CT and Marika Merinou of Karystos Evioas Greece, as well as his brother, Constantinos Thomas. He is also predeceased by his son John on March 2, 2008.

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangels will hold a wake and family visitation on Sunday March 6, 2011 from 4 PM to 8 PM with Trisagion prayers at 7PM. Funeral services will be at the Church on Monday March 7 at 10:30 AM, and burial will take place at Farfield Memorial Park on Oaklawn Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to the Church of the Archangels, Bedford and Third Streets, Stamford CT 06905. Online condolences may be sent to www.leopgallagherstamford.com