Paul Thomas

OXFORD – Paul L. Thomas Jr., 81, of Main Street, died Thursday, March 27, 2008, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Alice R. (Gould) Thomas of Oxford; five children, David Thomas and his wife Jeanne of Worcester, Diane Thomas of North Oxford, Donna T. Grudziecki and her husband Robert of Leominster, Debra Bixby and her husband Richard of Oxford, and Darcy Barton and her husband Michael of Oxford; twelve grandchildren, William, Dennis, Laura, Megan, Nicholas, Natasha, Noelle, Michael, Matthew, Samantha, Emily, and Joshua; and five great grandchildren, Brendon, Brianna, Amber, Dana, and Felisha; and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a sister, Kathleen Sgariglia of Webster. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on August 14, 2008. Paul was born on June 18, 1926, in Central Falls, RI, the son of the late Paul L. and Irene (Flynn) Thomas Sr., and lived most of his life in Oxford. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Paul retired 20 years ago from Norton Company in Worcester. He was a lifelong gardener and known for his knowledge of gardening. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and will be remembered as a man of many talents. In accordance with the family's wishes, there are no calling hours. A funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2008, at St. Roch's Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Family and friends are respectfully invited to meet at the church. A private burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608, or to the VNA of Southern Worcester County, P.O. Box 368, 534 School St., Webster, MA 01570. Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oxford, is directing the arrangements.