Obituary: Thomas, Major Alfred J. Usaf
Age 97
He was born August 23rd, 1918 to Bianca Papini Thomas and Alfredo Thomas in the Bronx, New York.
He learned to be independent and resourceful early since Bianca worked full time as an RN.
His family moved to an apartment within a block of the new Yankee Stadium in 1925 and soon grew with the birth of a brother John and sister Nina.
New York was an exciting place to be as a young boy and Al had a chance to meet Babe Ruth, inspiring a lifelong love of Yankee baseball and all sports, especially golf.
Later, Charles Lindbergh’s New York-Paris solo flight gave Al the dream of becoming a pilot himself which he realized as a result of Uncle Sam’s first draft in 1942.
In the next chaotic four years he married Beryle, who survives him, flew 27 combat missions in a B-24, became the father of Paul and Karen and settled in Ontario, CA.
Settling was interrupted by the Korean War and he returned to the Air Force where he spent a 23 year career before retiring to Spokane, WA.
He and his family lived in Washington, Colorado, Italy and California collecting friends and art objects as they went while his duties progressed from flying transport aircraft to managing a nuclear weapons depot.
Time off from the Air Force was often limited but he made the most of every opportunity to spend time with his family and friends camping, fishing, hunting with Black Lab Major, boating and of course golfing.
The outdoors was his preferred setting but he also appreciated painting and classical music and was able to complete a degree in art at Whitworth College once he and Beryle retired in Spokane.
He started a second career as a Realtor and was known for giving each buyer one of his original oil paintings.
Still not ready to completely stay put, Al and Beryle enjoyed over 25 years of winters in Hawaii and other trips to far flung continents via Air Force aircraft.
Al’s attitude was full speed ahead, you can do anything or build anything you have a mind to, and have fun no matter what.
His wife of 73 years, Beryle, was the perfect partner for their adventures and cared for him at home until a week before he died.
His family reaped the benefits of his long and productive life and will pass them on to his grandchildren Jaime, Lauren, Kyle, Serena, and great-grandchildren Arlynne, and Lauren and Baba’s baby expected in February.
A 97th Birthday celebration party with the family was enjoyed on August 23rd, 2015 and there will be no further services.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Spokane Symphony or Spokane Humane Society.
Online condolences may be sent to alberbella@comcast.net.