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Rev. William A. Thomas, O.S.A. (1913-1977)

Rev. William A. Thomas, O.S.A. entered eternal life January 13, 1977.

William Anthony Thomas was born June 25, 1913 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to George and Julia (Bushnell) Thomas. He was Baptized July 13, 1913 at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, Philadelphia. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation June 4, 1922 at the same church.

He entered the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1932. He professed vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 11, 1933. He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1938. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D. C. He was ordained a Priest June 10, 1940. He did additional study at Catholic University of America, Washington, and at DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois.

From 1941 to 1943 Father Thomas served as Assistant Pastor at St. Augustine Catholic Parish, Marianao, Cuba. In 1943 he was transferred to St. Thomas High School, Rockford, Illinois. In 1947 he was assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, where he served as Teacher and Dean of Students until the time of his death.

He died January 13, 1977 of a massive stroke.

Father Thomas is remembered as a man who was both patient and kind. He treated his students with fairness. He was always ready to share his wisdom with his Augustinian community and others, but he never put on airs.

He is buried in the Augustinian Plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Worth, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.