Donald O. Thomas

Donald O. Thomas, long-time resident of  Wakefield, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the age of 89.

Born in Melrose, Don was one of two children of the late Nelson and Dorothy (Myrick) Thomas.  He graduated from Melrose High School where he played football and ran track, and Northeastern University with an Engineering Degree. He also proudly served in the United States Army Reserves and Massachusetts State Guard

Don—known for his kindness and patience—lived a life filled with love and devotion to his family, especially his beloved wife Jan, whom he married in 1961. Their journey took them from Melrose to Wakefield, where they planted roots and raised their family.

A man of many passions, Don found joy in the simple pleasures of life. A dedicated engineer and purchasing agent, he spent 36 years at MIT Lincoln Labs, where he made significant contributions.

As a railroad enthusiast, he devoted time to volunteering for various railroads and model clubs, leaving a lasting legacy in the local community.  He was a proud volunteer for the WW&F Railway in Alna, ME, the Klaxon Club, volunteered for the National Park Service driving trolleys, and helped rebuild the S/V Truant in Gloucester.  He never lost his inner child and really enjoyed operating and maintaining trains, cars, boats, and models.

His commitment extended beyond hobbies. A gentleman of deep faith, he was a long time and active member of the First United Methodist Church in Melrose where he served as a Senior Youth Leader, for many years

In his moments of relaxation, Don loved taking drives on backroads, playing softball at Pine Banks, and cheering on his beloved children, grandchildren and Boston sports teams, or spending time in Wiscasset and Wolfeboro. His life was a testament to the joy found in simple pleasures and the importance of family bonds.

Don was the beloved husband of Janien “Jan” E. (Benson) Thomas with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Devoted father of Sandy E. Companeschi and her husband Pat of Wilmington, Barbara L. Thomas of Wolfeboro, NH, and Kenneth O. Thomas of Wakefield. Dear brother of the late Jeanette Van Steensburg and her surviving husband Edward. Cherished grandfather of Patrick and his partner Sam, Mathew and his partner Dee, Andrew and his partner Juvi, Mark and his wife Ashlyn, Zackery and John, and his great-grandchildren Skylar and Myles.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, Oct. 11, from 10-11AM where his Funeral Service will follow at 11AM. Interment at Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield.

A Poem for Dad

My dad, a collector of time's gentle embrace,

Finds beauty in pocket watches' intricate face.

Wrist watches gleam with stories untold,

each tick a whisper of moments to hold.

Mantle clocks chime with melodious grace,

filling our home with a warm, timeless space.

Grandfather clocks stand tall and proud,

guardians of time, ticking aloud.

His passion for clocks is love and deeply rooted,

in each piece, a history quietly saluted.

Through gears and hands, time's dance he unlocks,

my dad, the keeper of cherished clocks.

In the garden of memories where fondness grows,

with peanut butter jars lined up in neat rows.

My dad's laughter echoes, warm and sweet,

like sugar babies melting in the summer heat.

He sips Moxie with a mischievous grin,

a testament to the adventures tucked within.

Necco wafers, his colorful delight,

reflect his vibrant spirit, shining bright.

In the workshop where dreams take flight,

my dad breathes life into trains of might.

Model worlds with narrow gauge tracks,

he crafts with care, never looking back.

Steam engines puff, a nostalgic ride,

with joy and pride, he sits astride.

Ride-on adventures in the backyard,

where tracks weave tales, and time's unbarred.

Antique cars and boats by his side,

his passions shared, a life well-tied.

In classic cars, we journey wide,

through winding roads, a mystery ride.

With laughter shared and stories told,

in antique dreams, our bond unfolds.

On waters vast, where breezes play,

from motorboats to sails at bay.

My dad’s love, like the ocean's tide,

guides me through life's endless ride.

A guiding light with a gentle hand,

he taught us strength, to understand.

With love of children, his heart did beam,

in every hug, a cherished dream.

As a father, his wisdom shaped our days,

in gentle words and thoughtful, caring ways.

And when his grandchildren came to his embrace,

his joy was boundless, love lit up his face.

Their laughter brought him endless joy, his pride

of them was hard to hide.

Through stories shared and lessons learned,

his legacy of love forever burned.

He carried love like sunshine in his heart,

a guiding light that never would depart.

With open arms, he welcomed every child,

his laughter soft, his kindness ever mild.

My dad's gentle soul with compassion is woven in every thread,

his kind words linger in all he's said.

Patience like a river, calm and wide,

he stands by me, an unwavering guide.

Supportive arms, a sheltering embrace,

my father's love, a timeless grace.

Love,

Barb