Joseph A. Thomas, Sr., 76, of Shenango Twp. passed away peacefully Saturday morning, November 3, 2018, in Vibra Hospital, Boardman, OH.

Mr. Thomas was born December 7, 1941, in New Castle, to the late Louis and Edna (Nader) Thomas. A lifelong area resident, he was a 1959 graduate of New Castle High School. Joe later completed his bachelor's degree through Pennsylvania State University while working for Rockwell International - Axle Division, in New Castle.

He retired in 1992 from Rockwell, where he worked as a tool and die maker as a member of the U.S. Steel Workers Union for 30 years.

Joe was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Church, New Castle.

Recognized as a Golden Eagle, he was a lifelong member of F.O.E. 455, New Castle.

Joe loved spending time with his wife, sons and granddaughter, Gianna.

Surviving are: his beloved wife of 55 years, the former Barbara Weaver, whom he married August 24, 1963; two sons, Joseph Thomas, Jr. and his wife, Barbie, Neshannock Twp., and Eugene "Geno" Thomas and his wife Lisa, Lowellville, OH; a sister, Joan Petrucci and her husband, Patsy, Shenango Twp.; and a granddaughter, Gianna Thomas; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Rose and Thomas Weaver.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (11-6-18) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Joseph Church, 1111 S Cascade St, New Castle, with Rev. William Siple, as celebrant.

Interment: St. Vitus Cemetery, New Castle.