P. Gary Thomas
P. Gary Thomas, age 73, Brownsville, Pa., passed away on Friday evening, May 16, 2014 at The Donnell House in Washington, Pa., with his loving family by his side.
He was born October 2, 1940 in Brownsville, Pa., the son of the late Paul Thomas and Elizabeth (Youhouse) Thomas.
Gary was a well known news reporter in the area beginning his career with the former Brownsville Telegraph and then working for the Tribune-Review newspaper until he retired in 2005.
Gary then worked for the Skirpan Funeral Home in Brownsville and Uniontown and enjoyed being at the funeral homes meeting and talking to people.
Gary was a lifetime member of the Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church in Brownsville, Pa., where he was active as an usher and with helping out at church functions and fundraisers.
Gary was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving with the United States Army.
Gary was a lifetime member of Brownsville Elks BPOE 1344 and at the time he was elected, Gary was the youngest past Exalted Ruler to serve the Elks
He was also a member of American Legion Post 295 in Brownsville.
Gary was preceded in death by his nephew, Joseph C. Thomas II.
Gary is survived by his wife of 46 years, Bonnie R. Kelly Thomas; two children: Kristel Bosworth and her husband Terry of Brownsville, Pa., and Gary Daniel Thomas and his wife JoAnn of Penn Craft, Pa.; grandchildren Carson Bosworth, Macy Bosworth, Zoey Thomas and Cody Thomas; one brother, Joseph C. Thomas of Brownsville, Pa.; one sister, Doris Smoggie and husband John of Ohio. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received in the SKIRPAN FUNERAL HOME, 135 Park Street, Brownsville, Pa., on Monday from 2 to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 until 9:30 a.m. when a Panachida Service will be held.
Divine Liturgy will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Brownsville, Pa., with the Rev. Father Jerome G. Botsko as Celebrant.
Interment will follow in LaFayette Memorial Park where Full Military Rites will be accorded by American Legion Posts 295, 940, 838 and 275.
Parastas Service will be held in the funeral home on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. www. – skirpanfuneralhome.com