David L. Thomas, Sharon, Pa., passed away peacefully of natural causes at 10:22 a.m. Wednesday (4-18-12) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System following a brief illness. He was 74.
Mr. Thomas was born on October 22, 1937 in New Castle, Pa. the son of Ralph and Dorothy Skelton Thomas.
A lifelong area resident, he graduated from Sharpsville High School.
He retired in 1994 with more than 35 years of service at the former Sharon Steel Corporation's Farrell plant where he worked in their 60 inch hot mill as a heater.
A sports fan, he loved rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Penn State Nittany Lions. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially while fishing, and tending to his garden. In his spare time he enjoyed a good episode of Star Trek or an old John Wayne movie.
He served with the United States Air Force as an aircraft engine mechanic.
Mr. Thomas found his greatest joy when spending time with his children and grandchildren, he will be sadly missed.
His wife the former Sarah E. Burt whom he married on December 20, 1971, survives at home.
He also leaves his son Chris D. Thomas and his wife Jennifer, Sharon, two daughters, Candi A. Leunis and her husband Brian, Hermitage, and Beth A. Veres, Wheatland; eight grandchildren, Mackenzie Thomas, Michelle, Nikki, Bryan, and Justin Leunis, Stephanie, Samantha, and Christina Veres, and three great grandchildren; and his sister, Kathy Seguin, Lisbon, NY.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter, Cindy Dickson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shenango Valley Children's Transplant Fund c/o Andrew Erb, 301 Blue Devil Way Sharpsville, Pa., 16150.
Calling hours and services: In keeping with his wishes there will be no visitation or services. Cremation was chosen. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon.
To post a tribute to his family or to view the obituary on line, visit the web site www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.