Obituary of Clarence John Thomas

Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Jack passed away at the age of 93.  Predeceased by his wife of 70 years, MaryGrace Jones Thomas; his parents, Hilda M. Thomas and Clarence Thomas; his son-in-law, Ken Galen and his  brother-in-law, Harry Ennis. He leaves children, Gwen (Jim) Hoffman, Gayl Galen and Bill (Colleen) Thomas; 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren;  sister-in-law Gwen Ennis; and loving nieces and nephews.

Jack proudly served in the Naval Reserves for 14 years. He married the love of  his life MaryGrace in 1954. Jack was a Business Office Manager in several  businesses and eventually went to work for The Salvation Army of Rochester.  After working part time at Chase Pitkins you could then find him in the produce  section of Wegmans behind his cart which was labeled “Jack’s Pick of the  Week” where he finished 10 years and retired.

Jack enjoyed genealogy, reading about the Civil War and music by the Gaithers, Jim Brickman, Barbershop Quartets and Choruses. He also had the unofficial job of being the best greeter at The Webster Presbyterian Church where every visitor was warmly greeted and introduced to others. Jack was a proud member of 4 Barbershop Quartets throughout his life and a member and faithful supporter of The Chorus of the Genesee for over 50 years.  He also loved the many years of pop up tent camping with his family. He and MaryGrace traveled twice to Ukraine where his son Bill was serving as a  missionary. Jack resided at The Village at Penfield for over 5 years. Every morning you would faithfully find him at the pledge of allegiance in the living room at 10:30. Jack loved the Lord and his family above everything. We joyfully celebrate his life and rejoice that he is now in his heavenly reward with Jesus.

A special thank you to the staff of Strong Memorial Hospital Acute Care Unit and the ICU for their extraordinary care of compassion and dignity.  And a special thank you to all the amazing staff members at The Village At Penfield that daily provided loving care for Jack, the place that he truly called home.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 5th at the Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd., Webster, with a  luncheon reception to follow. Private interment at Webster Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army of Rochester, Young Life of Webster-Camp Scholarships or Special Olympics.

Willard H. Scott Funeral Home.