Joseph J. Thomas

Joseph "Joe" John Thomas left this earth to be with our Lord on August 28, 2018 at Sacred Heart Home, Little Sisters of the Poor. He was born to Carl and Jeanette (Leotino) Thomas on January 12, 1922.

Joe attended Waite High School where he completed his Junior year before being drafted into the Army for WWII. He earned his Purple Heart while serving our country in Burma India. He was able to receive his Diploma in 2004 when the Veterans from WWII who were unable to finish High School due to the war were given an honorary graduation ceremony and presented with a Diploma from their respectful High School. He married the love of his life Bernadette Werning on September 25, 1948, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and enjoyed 68 wonderful years together. Joe was a machinist and retired from Schindler Haughton Elevator Company in 1987 after 29 years of service. Joe was a member of the DAV, and was a 3rd Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus.

Joe was a loving man; he loved spending time with his family and truly enjoyed his grandkids and great-grandkids. In his younger years, he was always willing to help with any project you chose to take on. He enjoyed taking his daily walks with the friends he met at the North Towne Mall and was heartbroken when it closed.

Left to cherish Joe's memories are his son, Jerry (Mary); daughters, Janet (Rich) Minkowski, Sue Thiel, and Cheryl (Tom) LaForge; grandchildren, Jeremy (Michelle) Thomas, Angie (Nolan) Nowak, Richelle (Conor) Omara, Eric Minkowski (Heitor Tashiro Sergent), Jennifer (Dan) Losek, Joshua Thiel (Lara Cafora), Jessica (PJ) Webb, Joseph (Heather) LaForge, and Felicia LaForge; great-grandchildren, Cameron (Jordan) Meredith, Kenzie, Kaiya, and Addison Thomas, Briana and Lia Nowak, Hailey and Max Omara, Daniel, Jayden and Arabella Losek, and Bradley LaForge; sisters, Margaret Chicolini, Jackie DeSantis, and Josephine Petro; and brother, William "Bill" Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bernadette; brother, Thomas "Tom" Thomas; brothers-in-law, Raymond Chicolini, George DeSantis, and Andrew Petro; and sisters-in-law, Rose and Ruth Thomas and great-granddaughter Emily Rose LaForge .

The family would like to sincerely thank all of the Sisters at Little Sisters of the Poor and the wonderful staff that made Joe feel like a king during his short stay with them and the awesome care he was given in his final days.

The family will receive guests on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 from 2 – 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer – Northwest Chapel, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300). Mass of Christian Burial will take place Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Home, Little Sisters of the Poor, 930 S. Wynn Rd., Oregon, OH 43616 with visitation one hour prior. Officiating will be Fr. Joe Weigman. Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Sacred Heart Home, Little Sisters of the Poor.

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