The Thomas family sadly announces the passing of Byron U. Thomas, Sr., our beloved father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. He transitioned into eternal peace on June 22, 2024. He leaves to mourn his children: Melba Thomas-Igyan (Essex Igyan), Qiana Thomas-Maier (William Maier), and Ofc. Byron Thomas, Jr. (Megan Thomas); grandchildren: Naomi French, Elijah Fadera, Imani Homer, and Marius Maier; mother, Ethlyn Farrington Thomas Joseph and stepfather, Keithley Joseph; siblings: Brent Thomas (Christine Thomas), Jason Joseph (Nicole Joseph), and Nicole K. Joseph; nephews: Dr. Jonah Thomas (Julie Thomas) and Tyler Parsons (Cassandra Parsons); nieces: Jessica Thomas and Jasey Joseph, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Byron is preceded in death by his father, Uraldo Thomas and sister, Michelle Thomas. Viewing to be held on Tuesday July 23, 2024, at 9 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church; service to immediately follow. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For online condolences or to share a special memory visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com
Byron U. Thomas, Sr. was born on St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. on October 28, 1957, to Uraldo Evans Thomas and Ethlyn Farrington Thomas Joseph. He attended Wayne Aspinall School prior to relocating with his mother, stepfather, and brother to the Bronx, NY in 1969. During his childhood he spent many summers in St. Thomas bonding and cherishing life with his father, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Byron went on to play basketball and graduated from James Monroe High School in 1974. After high school he attended Baruch College in Manhattan, NY.
He became employed at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in 1977. Byron was a huge sports fan and during his time with the Port Authority, he played with their intramural basketball team. He welcomed his first beautiful child, Melba Ethlyn, into this world in March of 1977. He later married Angela Hodge Thomas and welcomed 2 children: Qiana Michelle (1987) and Byron Christopher (1991). While employed at the Port Authority, Byron continued his education and advanced up the professional ladder at the Port Authority of NY/NJ. He relocated his young family from the Bronx, NY to New Windsor, NY in 1994. During his time in Upstate New York, he served as assistant football coach for the New Windsor Eagles Little League Football Team where he was able to coach his son Byron, Jr. for 8 years.
He continued to bring his family to St. Thomas so that they understood exactly where home is; he shared this piece of paradise and love of family and togetherness with his children always. Byron retired as Operations Supervisor in 2018 after 41 years of dedicated service. He spent countless early and cold mornings and long nights serving and protecting the transportation community of the New York and New Jersey Metro area-the largest and busiest transportation hub in the country. During his tenure, he served at the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, and The World Trade Center to name a few. He was loved by many long-time coworkers as well as the many everyday commuters in the New York and New Jersey area. St. Thomas was always home, and, in his retirement, he traveled to St. Thomas often to enjoy the home he loved and the family he cherished.
Byron is survived by his children: Melba Thomas-Igyan (Essex Igyan), Qiana Thomas- Maier (William Maier), and Ofc. Byron Thomas, Jr. (Megan Thomas); grandchildren: Naomi French, Elijah Fadera, Imani Homer, and Marius Maier; mother, Ethlyn Farrington Thomas Joseph and stepfather, Keithley Joseph; siblings: Brent Thomas (Christine Thomas), Jason Joseph (Nicole Joseph), and Nicole K. Joseph; nephews: Dr. Jonah Thomas (Julie Thomas) and Tyler Parsons (Cassandra Parsons); nieces: Jessica Thomas and Jasey Joseph; special cousins: Othnell "Rudy" Gumbs, LaVerne Moorhead, Lionel "Gabby" Gumbs, Lorraine Gumbs-Morton, Lauriel "JoJo" Gumbs, Lincoln "Juice" Gumbs; special aunt Josephine Ottley, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Byron is preceded in death by his father, Uraldo Thomas and sister, Michelle Thomas.