Henry “Hank” R. Thoms

Henry “Hank” Randall Thoms  of Milford, Deleware passed away from natural causes on November 5, at age 84 . Henry was born on July 11, 1931 in Boston, MA to Henry (Heinrich) John George Thoms and Marjorie Belmont Thoms (nee Randall). He attended Northeastern University until his enlistment in the Navy in 1951. He served on several ships as Electronics Technician 1 ^st Class receiving an honorable discharge in June 1955 with both the good conduct medal and the national defense service medal.

Mr. Thoms made his career with IBM where he started out servicing punch-card equipment and large computers before moving on to IBM’s Poughkeepsie laboratory where he produced service manuals for large computers in the Product Publications area. He advanced through several levels of management within the company and retired in 1986. Mr. Thoms was a competitive roller skater and enjoyed amateur radio, beekeeping, and genealogy. He was also a private pilot, yacht captain (USCG Ocean Operator), held an Advanced Amateur Radio License (KU4MK), as well as a commercial 1 ^st class radiotelephone license. Among Mr. Thoms’ other interests were motorcycling, gardening and travel.

Mr. Thoms was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Roger, and his wife Theresa (nee DeBroske). He is survived by his children, Randall Alan Thoms and wife Joann of Connecticut; daughter Paula Arlene Johnston and husband Stuart of DE, daughter Shirley Ellen Thoms of DE, son Edward Thoms and wife Shannon of PA, son Henry Erick of MA, siblings Carol Ann Newell of Melrose, MA; Shirley Arlene Thoms of Walpole, MA, Norman Edward Thoms of Norwell, MA, and Audrey Pugliesi of Dedham, MA; grandchildren, Benjamin and Erin Thoms, Kaitlin and Casey Wohlfahrt, Nathaniel, Erica and Teddy Thoms. Mr. Thoms also has three great grandchildren: Benny, Brandon and Alexandra Thoms all of Orlando, FL. and a great great grandson Riley Calhoun of Titusville, FL.

The Thoms family will receive friends and family from 9:30am to 11:30am on Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton St. Dedham, MA followed by his funeral service at 11:30 am at the funeral home, and interment at Gethsemene Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA. In lieu of flowers, the Thoms family, who are all animal lovers, would encourage donations in Hank’s name to: First State Animal Center & SPCA 32 Shelter Circle Camden, DE. 19934.