Lima: At age 75, John passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023. He was born on June 29, 1948 to the late George and Dorothy Thomas. Survived by his wife Shirley (Backus), daughter; Tina (B.J.) Lynch, son; Kevin (Jillian) Thomas, Brother; George (Venera) Thomas, sister; Joan Thomas, grandchildren; Rebecca, Isla, and Evelynn. John was predeceased by his daughter; Teresa Willamee and sister; Barbara Thomas.
He was an amazing uncle to his nieces and nephews: Michelle, Mark, Jeanine, Adam, Tiffanie, Amanda, Jermain, and Carrie. John was beloved by his great nieces and nephews: Chelsea, Taliyah, Kam’ron, Khalil, Jasmine, Javon, Jackson, Leah, Kingston, Kingdom, Nyarie, and Sergei.
John grew up in Lima, NY where he started school at Saint Rose of Lima, then moved on to graduate from Lima High School. After high school he began his career as an electrician and had a growing love for fast cars, specifically the Dodge Dart. John loved drag racing and hanging out with his friends and family. John was a big-time family guy; he co-owned his electrical company, Valley Electrical, with his brother George for many years. He married his wife Shirley in 1983 and began their life on Poplar Hill Rd. John was an avid hockey, Nascar, and Buffalo Bills fan. On any given day you could catch him watching a western movie, sipping a diet coke, and munching on some type of cookie. John was loved by so many and touched the hearts of many people throughout his years of coaching baseball, football, and hockey. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten because he was a sweet, fun loving, caring, and humble man. Rest in Peace.
Family and friends may call on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 10 am – 12 pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Route 15 & 20A, Livonia where John’s Memorial Service will be held at 12 pm, following calling hours, with the burial at the Oak Ridge Cemetery, South Livonia. Memorial contributions may be made to: Livingston Blues Youth Hockey P. O. Box 461. Geneseo, NY 14454.
Arrangements were made by the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree Street, Livonia, NY 14487. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
John worked with us at Home Sweet Homes as a reliable electrician whom my husband, Ray Connell, and I grew to respect very much for his kindness and work ethic. He was always polite and friendly with our customers and a fun guy to have in our organization. He was easy to like!
My sincere sympathy to Shirley and his family.
John was such a special person. He was a positive role model and passionate about fair play and good sportsmanship. Our family is truly grateful and blessed that John and his family became our friends. Shirley, Kevin and families you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please accept our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences for the loss of John. Don, and Debbie and all of the Spencer family
I knew John from our school days. I thought of him as a gentle person with a lively sense of humor. I offer my prayers and condolences for his family and friends.
I only knew John in high school but I read he was a special man. Loss is difficult. I’m sorry for friends and family.
I always loved talking to John when he worked at Maynard’s. He was a good man.