Donald Charles Thomas

Hume --- Donald Thomas of Hume died Sunday, December 25, 2022 at The Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Machias, NY. He was born on January 20, 1934 in Brockport, a son of the late George and Mary Johnson Thomas. On November 2, 1956, he married Janet Gayford.

Don was a graduate of Fillmore Central School, class of 1953.  Following graduation, he served 2 years in the United States Army, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist Third Class.  After a short time working at Bethlehem Steel in Buffalo, Don started working with Cold Spring Construction of Akron, NY, where he had a reputation for his incredible work ethic, and high expectations for those working with him.

After 43 years with Cold Spring Construction, he retired in 1999, and spent many of his retirement years enjoying geocaching, hiking, and taking pictures in Letchworth Park.  Throughout his life, Don enjoyed numerous hobbies, traveling, and visiting flea markets on Sundays.  During retirement, he especially enjoyed driving Janet to Buffalo for a bit of shopping.

Don was a person who used few words, so people learned to listen when he spoke, or they missed out on a bit of wisdom or a well-placed one liner.  He was known to many as a person you could call when you needed help.

Surviving are his children, Dennis (Carol) Thomas of Fillmore, Chele (Jim) Mills of Hume, Dan (Brenda) Thomas of Machias, Amy Thomas of Florida, Melissa (Mark) Hodnett of Hume, Katie (John) McKenzie of Freedom, son-in-law Jeff Patro, 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by Janet, his wife of 66 years, granddaughter, Melody Cherish, daughter Libby Patro, grandson Zachary Patro, and brother, Richard Thomas.

Don’s family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone at The Pines in Machias, especially the Evergreen and Cypress teams, for the amazing care, compassion, and dignity given to Don during his final months of life.

Don’s children are honoring his request that there be no visitation or service. A private burial will be held in Pine Grove Cemetery, Fillmore.