Daily Hampshire Gazette, Northampton, Massachusetts
Saturda, April 24, 2021, page B2
"Goshen, MA—On Wednesday, April 21st, 2021, Anthony completed his work and was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. This was after a brave and courageous ten-year battle with cancer. Born in Northampton on May 15th,1936, he was the oldest of the seven children of Anthony and Annie (Hathaway) Thomas. He was a man who lived a proud life, and all his accomplishments are impossible to document.
After graduating from Northampton High School, where he excelled academically and in sports, he had his first calling which was to serve his country. He enlisted in an eight year agreement with the United States Coast Guard where he believed he had a better chance of saving lives than taking them. He elevated himself to the rank of Boatswain Mate 3rd Class on the Coast Guard Castle Rock " which essentially put him in charge of the ship's operations under the direction of the Captain. He was instrumental in many lifesaving rescues and proudly patrolled and protected America's East Coast.
During that time period he met his first wife, Celia Marchefka, and married her on June 23, 1956. After their marriage, they moved to Goshen, started a family, and made the choice to be his own boss by starting a business. Using his chef skills learned at Jack August in Northampton, he bought and opened his own business, the legendary "Lunch Box" which he then brought to a whole new level. It was a place where everyone knew your name. It was a place where both staff and customers became his extended family and so much hilltown history was made.
In his time away from both his family and his business, he dedicated what was left to his community. He served for 15 years as Selectman for the Town of Goshen, on the Board of Health, and as Town Moderator. He was a member of the Goshen Historical Association and the Goshen Recreation Unlimited. He proudly served as Co-Chairman of Goshen's Bicentennial celebration. But, of course, 25 years later he also co-chaired the town's 225th celebration. He coached softball for the town's girls and was a member of the Hillside Agricultural Society.
In the spare time he had left he volunteered for more than 20 years as an EMT on Goshen Ambulance. Because serving his community was so important to him, he dedicated over 52 years serving on the Goshen, Williamsburg, and Chesterfield Fire Departments.
As his life progressed, his faith in God deepened. He was a devoted communicant of the Our Lady of the Hills Parish in Haydenville. There he became a Eucharistic Minister.
His greatest pride in life was his family. He leaves behind his wife Beverly (Morin) Ames. He leaves behind four children, Brenda Lessard and her husband Richard, his daughter Tina Thomas, his son Anthony "Tiger" Thomas III and his wife Melissa, and his son John Thomas. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Rachel (Lessard) Feldman, Leslie Lessard, CeCelia Thomas, Anthony Thomas IV, and Addison Thomas. With the family not quite complete he had two great grandchildren Zoey and Charlotte Feldman. He leaves behind three stepsons, Randy Ames and wife Vanessa, Patrick Ames and wife Cindy and Scott Ames and wife Crystal.
His step grandchildren Lara Terounzo, Tanner Ames, Kaitlin Barcomb, Chris Oberther and Samantha Ame. Step Great Grandchildren Killian and Lyanna Terounzo, MacKenzie Barcomb, Cole and Benjamin Curtis.
He leaves three brothers Richard, Henry, and Robert Thomas. Two sisters Evelyn Kellogg Culver and Kathy Bates.
He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children Celia (Marchefka) Thomas, his parents Anthony and Annie Thomas and baby sister Mary Anne Thomas.
Calling hours will be held this Sunday, April 25th from 12:30 pm until 5:30 pm at Ahearn Funeral Home located at 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton, MA.
Due to COVID restrictions the Rites of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Hills at 173 Main St. Haydenville at 10am Monday is limited to family only. It will be live-streamed and is available on the church website (olothhaydenville.org)
There will be a committal service immediately following the Mass at the Goshen Cemetery on Cape St. This service will be open to all who wish to attend.
Doantions in Anthony's memory can be made to either:
Our Lady of the Hills Parish, 173 Main St., Haydenville, MA 01039
Goshen Firefighters Association, 56 Main St., Goshen
Highland Ambulance, 12 Williams Drive, Goshen
The Williamsburg Firefighters Association, PO Box 425, Williamsburg.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of CDH Northampton and all the friends and family who were there to provide for his care at his home.
Ahearn Funeral Home
(413)587-0044"
Daily Hampshire Gazette, Northampton, Massachusetts
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, page A1, front page above the fold
" 'He always gave more than he took'
Anthony Thomas, Jr.,
restaurant owner and
public servant, dies at 84
By BERA DUNAU
Staff Writer
Goshen—Anthony Thomas
Jr., a man who fed the community for decades at the Lunch Box Restaurant and dedicated his life to helping others, died last week at the age of 84.
Known to everyone as either Tom or Tommy, Thomas served in many ways including as a longtime firefighter and town official over the course of a life that was largely spent in the Hilltowns.
"He really served his community, served his church, served his family, served his country," said Brenda Lessard, Thomas' eldest child. "He just gave himself all the time."
In addition to Lessard, Thomas' other children are Tina Thomas, Anthony "Tiger" Thomas III and John Thomas.
"I think he had a good life completed," said Tiger Thomas. "Superheroes are all around us, we just don't know it."
Thomas owned The Lunch Box Restaurant on Route 9 in Williamsburg from 1968 until he closed its doors in 2003. And for 27 of those year, Tina Thomas worked alongside her father at the place she described as "the second town hall of Williamsburg."
"It was definitely a family atmosphere, " she said, recalling how The Lunch Box was a place where strangers would be seated next to one another within its small confines.
Thomas was also a longtime firefighter, serving in the Goshen Fire Department for 52 years, and simultaneously serving in the Chesterfield Fire Department for 20 years and Williamsburg Fire Department for 15 years.
"Whenever there was a fire, he just left the restaurant," said Beverly Thomas, his second wife. His commitment was not to his business as much as it was to helping everybody around him."
The restaurant was also a popular hangout for other firefighters, and Tina Thomas recalled how "you would see six or eight people jump up," when there was activity over the scanner, and how the restaurant would make sandwiches and coffee when there was a fire.
Thomas was also an EMT, and Tiger Thomas recalled how his father once ran out of the restaurant to provide lifesaving care in response to a car accident that happened in front of The Lunch Box. He said this wasn't unusual behavior for his dad.
SEE THOMAS B5
Thomas
From A1
"That's just the way he was," he said.
Thomas was also a veteran, serving in the Coast Guard, so he would not be taking anyone's life," said Beverly Thomas.
Thomas' first wife, Celia Thomas, died of cancer in 1994. And it was around the time of her diagnosis that The Lunch Box became one of the first restaurants in the area to ban smoking indoors, although Tina Thomas said this policy did lose them some customers.
Beverly Thomas also lost her first spouse to cancer, and she and Thomas would have had their 20th wedding anniversary this year.
"I think we were very humbled. Very lucky to have come together." Beverly Thomas said.
In addition to his service as a firefighter and as an EMT, Thomas also served as a member of the Goshen Select Board for 15 years, as a town moderator and on the Board of Health, coached softball and co-chaired both the town's bicentennial and 225th anniversaries.
"He was a guy who always gave more than he took," said Tiger Thomas.
Tiger Thomas said he once tried to give his father business advice about the restaurant, and his father said that sometimes being rich conflicts with being good.
I'd rather be good," said Tiger Thomas, quoting his father. "I think it's the better option."
The Lunch Box's building where the Cumberland Farms in Williamsburg now stands, and to mark its closing, Tina said that a "huge party" was thrown outside.
She also called the popular ham and pickle sandwich on the restaurant's menu—as well as the hundreds of breakfast sandwiches a day she and her father made over several days for the production of the 1999 film "In Dreams."
I started going to The Lunch Box and put ten pounds on," recalled Beverly Thomas.
However at home, before and after the restaurant closed, she said that she did most of the cooking.
"And here I thought I married a cook," she said.
Thomas' faith as a practicing Catholic was also recalled by those who loved him.
"He always went dressed up" to church, said Beverly Thomas. "Coat, suit, tie, shoes shined."
Thomas was also a Eucharistic minister, and Tina Thomas said when her mother got sick, her father became more devoted to the church.
Thomas died after a long battle with cancer, and was able to do so in his Goshen home. During this time, he was cared for by Beverly Thomas.
"She did a fantastic job," said Brenda Lessard, of her stepmother. "She put in the most work."
On Monday, flags lined the streets of Goshen and town flags were at half staff for Thomas' funeral procession, which featured representation from police, fire and the Coast Guard.
"It looked like a mini-parade," recalled Tina Thomas.
Later in life, Thomas accomplished one of his life's goals and wrote and published a book, "The Lunch Box......Crossroads Of Williamsburg A Memoir." And since his father's death, Tiger Thomas has been looking through it.
"He kind of gave me guidebook of being a good person," he said.
Bera Dunau can be reached at [email protected]"
Saturda, April 24, 2021, page B2
"Goshen, MA—On Wednesday, April 21st, 2021, Anthony completed his work and was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. This was after a brave and courageous ten-year battle with cancer. Born in Northampton on May 15th,1936, he was the oldest of the seven children of Anthony and Annie (Hathaway) Thomas. He was a man who lived a proud life, and all his accomplishments are impossible to document.
After graduating from Northampton High School, where he excelled academically and in sports, he had his first calling which was to serve his country. He enlisted in an eight year agreement with the United States Coast Guard where he believed he had a better chance of saving lives than taking them. He elevated himself to the rank of Boatswain Mate 3rd Class on the Coast Guard Castle Rock " which essentially put him in charge of the ship's operations under the direction of the Captain. He was instrumental in many lifesaving rescues and proudly patrolled and protected America's East Coast.
During that time period he met his first wife, Celia Marchefka, and married her on June 23, 1956. After their marriage, they moved to Goshen, started a family, and made the choice to be his own boss by starting a business. Using his chef skills learned at Jack August in Northampton, he bought and opened his own business, the legendary "Lunch Box" which he then brought to a whole new level. It was a place where everyone knew your name. It was a place where both staff and customers became his extended family and so much hilltown history was made.
In his time away from both his family and his business, he dedicated what was left to his community. He served for 15 years as Selectman for the Town of Goshen, on the Board of Health, and as Town Moderator. He was a member of the Goshen Historical Association and the Goshen Recreation Unlimited. He proudly served as Co-Chairman of Goshen's Bicentennial celebration. But, of course, 25 years later he also co-chaired the town's 225th celebration. He coached softball for the town's girls and was a member of the Hillside Agricultural Society.
In the spare time he had left he volunteered for more than 20 years as an EMT on Goshen Ambulance. Because serving his community was so important to him, he dedicated over 52 years serving on the Goshen, Williamsburg, and Chesterfield Fire Departments.
As his life progressed, his faith in God deepened. He was a devoted communicant of the Our Lady of the Hills Parish in Haydenville. There he became a Eucharistic Minister.
His greatest pride in life was his family. He leaves behind his wife Beverly (Morin) Ames. He leaves behind four children, Brenda Lessard and her husband Richard, his daughter Tina Thomas, his son Anthony "Tiger" Thomas III and his wife Melissa, and his son John Thomas. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Rachel (Lessard) Feldman, Leslie Lessard, CeCelia Thomas, Anthony Thomas IV, and Addison Thomas. With the family not quite complete he had two great grandchildren Zoey and Charlotte Feldman. He leaves behind three stepsons, Randy Ames and wife Vanessa, Patrick Ames and wife Cindy and Scott Ames and wife Crystal.
His step grandchildren Lara Terounzo, Tanner Ames, Kaitlin Barcomb, Chris Oberther and Samantha Ame. Step Great Grandchildren Killian and Lyanna Terounzo, MacKenzie Barcomb, Cole and Benjamin Curtis.
He leaves three brothers Richard, Henry, and Robert Thomas. Two sisters Evelyn Kellogg Culver and Kathy Bates.
He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children Celia (Marchefka) Thomas, his parents Anthony and Annie Thomas and baby sister Mary Anne Thomas.
Calling hours will be held this Sunday, April 25th from 12:30 pm until 5:30 pm at Ahearn Funeral Home located at 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton, MA.
Due to COVID restrictions the Rites of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Hills at 173 Main St. Haydenville at 10am Monday is limited to family only. It will be live-streamed and is available on the church website (olothhaydenville.org)
There will be a committal service immediately following the Mass at the Goshen Cemetery on Cape St. This service will be open to all who wish to attend.
Doantions in Anthony's memory can be made to either:
Our Lady of the Hills Parish, 173 Main St., Haydenville, MA 01039
Goshen Firefighters Association, 56 Main St., Goshen
Highland Ambulance, 12 Williams Drive, Goshen
The Williamsburg Firefighters Association, PO Box 425, Williamsburg.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of CDH Northampton and all the friends and family who were there to provide for his care at his home.
Ahearn Funeral Home
(413)587-0044"
Daily Hampshire Gazette, Northampton, Massachusetts
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, page A1, front page above the fold
" 'He always gave more than he took'
Anthony Thomas, Jr.,
restaurant owner and
public servant, dies at 84
By BERA DUNAU
Staff Writer
Goshen—Anthony Thomas
Jr., a man who fed the community for decades at the Lunch Box Restaurant and dedicated his life to helping others, died last week at the age of 84.
Known to everyone as either Tom or Tommy, Thomas served in many ways including as a longtime firefighter and town official over the course of a life that was largely spent in the Hilltowns.
"He really served his community, served his church, served his family, served his country," said Brenda Lessard, Thomas' eldest child. "He just gave himself all the time."
In addition to Lessard, Thomas' other children are Tina Thomas, Anthony "Tiger" Thomas III and John Thomas.
"I think he had a good life completed," said Tiger Thomas. "Superheroes are all around us, we just don't know it."
Thomas owned The Lunch Box Restaurant on Route 9 in Williamsburg from 1968 until he closed its doors in 2003. And for 27 of those year, Tina Thomas worked alongside her father at the place she described as "the second town hall of Williamsburg."
"It was definitely a family atmosphere, " she said, recalling how The Lunch Box was a place where strangers would be seated next to one another within its small confines.
Thomas was also a longtime firefighter, serving in the Goshen Fire Department for 52 years, and simultaneously serving in the Chesterfield Fire Department for 20 years and Williamsburg Fire Department for 15 years.
"Whenever there was a fire, he just left the restaurant," said Beverly Thomas, his second wife. His commitment was not to his business as much as it was to helping everybody around him."
The restaurant was also a popular hangout for other firefighters, and Tina Thomas recalled how "you would see six or eight people jump up," when there was activity over the scanner, and how the restaurant would make sandwiches and coffee when there was a fire.
Thomas was also an EMT, and Tiger Thomas recalled how his father once ran out of the restaurant to provide lifesaving care in response to a car accident that happened in front of The Lunch Box. He said this wasn't unusual behavior for his dad.
SEE THOMAS B5
Thomas
From A1
"That's just the way he was," he said.
Thomas was also a veteran, serving in the Coast Guard, so he would not be taking anyone's life," said Beverly Thomas.
Thomas' first wife, Celia Thomas, died of cancer in 1994. And it was around the time of her diagnosis that The Lunch Box became one of the first restaurants in the area to ban smoking indoors, although Tina Thomas said this policy did lose them some customers.
Beverly Thomas also lost her first spouse to cancer, and she and Thomas would have had their 20th wedding anniversary this year.
"I think we were very humbled. Very lucky to have come together." Beverly Thomas said.
In addition to his service as a firefighter and as an EMT, Thomas also served as a member of the Goshen Select Board for 15 years, as a town moderator and on the Board of Health, coached softball and co-chaired both the town's bicentennial and 225th anniversaries.
"He was a guy who always gave more than he took," said Tiger Thomas.
Tiger Thomas said he once tried to give his father business advice about the restaurant, and his father said that sometimes being rich conflicts with being good.
I'd rather be good," said Tiger Thomas, quoting his father. "I think it's the better option."
The Lunch Box's building where the Cumberland Farms in Williamsburg now stands, and to mark its closing, Tina said that a "huge party" was thrown outside.
She also called the popular ham and pickle sandwich on the restaurant's menu—as well as the hundreds of breakfast sandwiches a day she and her father made over several days for the production of the 1999 film "In Dreams."
I started going to The Lunch Box and put ten pounds on," recalled Beverly Thomas.
However at home, before and after the restaurant closed, she said that she did most of the cooking.
"And here I thought I married a cook," she said.
Thomas' faith as a practicing Catholic was also recalled by those who loved him.
"He always went dressed up" to church, said Beverly Thomas. "Coat, suit, tie, shoes shined."
Thomas was also a Eucharistic minister, and Tina Thomas said when her mother got sick, her father became more devoted to the church.
Thomas died after a long battle with cancer, and was able to do so in his Goshen home. During this time, he was cared for by Beverly Thomas.
"She did a fantastic job," said Brenda Lessard, of her stepmother. "She put in the most work."
On Monday, flags lined the streets of Goshen and town flags were at half staff for Thomas' funeral procession, which featured representation from police, fire and the Coast Guard.
"It looked like a mini-parade," recalled Tina Thomas.
Later in life, Thomas accomplished one of his life's goals and wrote and published a book, "The Lunch Box......Crossroads Of Williamsburg A Memoir." And since his father's death, Tiger Thomas has been looking through it.
"He kind of gave me guidebook of being a good person," he said.
Bera Dunau can be reached at [email protected]"
Daily Hampshire Gazette, Northampton, Massachusetts
Saturda, April 24, 2021, page B2
"Goshen, MA—On Wednesday, April 21st, 2021, Anthony completed his work and was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. This was after a brave and courageous ten-year battle with cancer. Born in Northampton on May 15th,1936, he was the oldest of the seven children of Anthony and Annie (Hathaway) Thomas. He was a man who lived a proud life, and all his accomplishments are impossible to document.
After graduating from Northampton High School, where he excelled academically and in sports, he had his first calling which was to serve his country. He enlisted in an eight year agreement with the United States Coast Guard where he believed he had a better chance of saving lives than taking them. He elevated himself to the rank of Boatswain Mate 3rd Class on the Coast Guard Castle Rock " which essentially put him in charge of the ship's operations under the direction of the Captain. He was instrumental in many lifesaving rescues and proudly patrolled and protected America's East Coast.
During that time period he met his first wife, Celia Marchefka, and married her on June 23, 1956. After their marriage, they moved to Goshen, started a family, and made the choice to be his own boss by starting a business. Using his chef skills learned at Jack August in Northampton, he bought and opened his own business, the legendary "Lunch Box" which he then brought to a whole new level. It was a place where everyone knew your name. It was a place where both staff and customers became his extended family and so much hilltown history was made.
In his time away from both his family and his business, he dedicated what was left to his community. He served for 15 years as Selectman for the Town of Goshen, on the Board of Health, and as Town Moderator. He was a member of the Goshen Historical Association and the Goshen Recreation Unlimited. He proudly served as Co-Chairman of Goshen's Bicentennial celebration. But, of course, 25 years later he also co-chaired the town's 225th celebration. He coached softball for the town's girls and was a member of the Hillside Agricultural Society.
In the spare time he had left he volunteered for more than 20 years as an EMT on Goshen Ambulance. Because serving his community was so important to him, he dedicated over 52 years serving on the Goshen, Williamsburg, and Chesterfield Fire Departments.
As his life progressed, his faith in God deepened. He was a devoted communicant of the Our Lady of the Hills Parish in Haydenville. There he became a Eucharistic Minister.
His greatest pride in life was his family. He leaves behind his wife Beverly (Morin) Ames. He leaves behind four children, Brenda Lessard and her husband Richard, his daughter Tina Thomas, his son Anthony "Tiger" Thomas III and his wife Melissa, and his son John Thomas. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Rachel (Lessard) Feldman, Leslie Lessard, CeCelia Thomas, Anthony Thomas IV, and Addison Thomas. With the family not quite complete he had two great grandchildren Zoey and Charlotte Feldman. He leaves behind three stepsons, Randy Ames and wife Vanessa, Patrick Ames and wife Cindy and Scott Ames and wife Crystal.
His step grandchildren Lara Terounzo, Tanner Ames, Kaitlin Barcomb, Chris Oberther and Samantha Ame. Step Great Grandchildren Killian and Lyanna Terounzo, MacKenzie Barcomb, Cole and Benjamin Curtis.
He leaves three brothers Richard, Henry, and Robert Thomas. Two sisters Evelyn Kellogg Culver and Kathy Bates.
He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children Celia (Marchefka) Thomas, his parents Anthony and Annie Thomas and baby sister Mary Anne Thomas.
Calling hours will be held this Sunday, April 25th from 12:30 pm until 5:30 pm at Ahearn Funeral Home located at 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton, MA.
Due to COVID restrictions the Rites of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Hills at 173 Main St. Haydenville at 10am Monday is limited to family only. It will be live-streamed and is available on the church website (olothhaydenville.org)
There will be a committal service immediately following the Mass at the Goshen Cemetery on Cape St. This service will be open to all who wish to attend.
Doantions in Anthony's memory can be made to either:
Our Lady of the Hills Parish, 173 Main St., Haydenville, MA 01039
Goshen Firefighters Association, 56 Main St., Goshen
Highland Ambulance, 12 Williams Drive, Goshen
The Williamsburg Firefighters Association, PO Box 425, Williamsburg.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of CDH Northampton and all the friends and family who were there to provide for his care at his home.
Ahearn Funeral Home
(413)587-0044"
Daily Hampshire Gazette, Northampton, Massachusetts
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, page A1, front page above the fold
" 'He always gave more than he took'
Anthony Thomas, Jr.,
restaurant owner and
public servant, dies at 84
By BERA DUNAU
Staff Writer
Goshen—Anthony Thomas
Jr., a man who fed the community for decades at the Lunch Box Restaurant and dedicated his life to helping others, died last week at the age of 84.
Known to everyone as either Tom or Tommy, Thomas served in many ways including as a longtime firefighter and town official over the course of a life that was largely spent in the Hilltowns.
"He really served his community, served his church, served his family, served his country," said Brenda Lessard, Thomas' eldest child. "He just gave himself all the time."
In addition to Lessard, Thomas' other children are Tina Thomas, Anthony "Tiger" Thomas III and John Thomas.
"I think he had a good life completed," said Tiger Thomas. "Superheroes are all around us, we just don't know it."
Thomas owned The Lunch Box Restaurant on Route 9 in Williamsburg from 1968 until he closed its doors in 2003. And for 27 of those year, Tina Thomas worked alongside her father at the place she described as "the second town hall of Williamsburg."
"It was definitely a family atmosphere, " she said, recalling how The Lunch Box was a place where strangers would be seated next to one another within its small confines.
Thomas was also a longtime firefighter, serving in the Goshen Fire Department for 52 years, and simultaneously serving in the Chesterfield Fire Department for 20 years and Williamsburg Fire Department for 15 years.
"Whenever there was a fire, he just left the restaurant," said Beverly Thomas, his second wife. His commitment was not to his business as much as it was to helping everybody around him."
The restaurant was also a popular hangout for other firefighters, and Tina Thomas recalled how "you would see six or eight people jump up," when there was activity over the scanner, and how the restaurant would make sandwiches and coffee when there was a fire.
Thomas was also an EMT, and Tiger Thomas recalled how his father once ran out of the restaurant to provide lifesaving care in response to a car accident that happened in front of The Lunch Box. He said this wasn't unusual behavior for his dad.
SEE THOMAS B5
Thomas
From A1
"That's just the way he was," he said.
Thomas was also a veteran, serving in the Coast Guard, so he would not be taking anyone's life," said Beverly Thomas.
Thomas' first wife, Celia Thomas, died of cancer in 1994. And it was around the time of her diagnosis that The Lunch Box became one of the first restaurants in the area to ban smoking indoors, although Tina Thomas said this policy did lose them some customers.
Beverly Thomas also lost her first spouse to cancer, and she and Thomas would have had their 20th wedding anniversary this year.
"I think we were very humbled. Very lucky to have come together." Beverly Thomas said.
In addition to his service as a firefighter and as an EMT, Thomas also served as a member of the Goshen Select Board for 15 years, as a town moderator and on the Board of Health, coached softball and co-chaired both the town's bicentennial and 225th anniversaries.
"He was a guy who always gave more than he took," said Tiger Thomas.
Tiger Thomas said he once tried to give his father business advice about the restaurant, and his father said that sometimes being rich conflicts with being good.
I'd rather be good," said Tiger Thomas, quoting his father. "I think it's the better option."
The Lunch Box's building where the Cumberland Farms in Williamsburg now stands, and to mark its closing, Tina said that a "huge party" was thrown outside.
She also called the popular ham and pickle sandwich on the restaurant's menu—as well as the hundreds of breakfast sandwiches a day she and her father made over several days for the production of the 1999 film "In Dreams."
I started going to The Lunch Box and put ten pounds on," recalled Beverly Thomas.
However at home, before and after the restaurant closed, she said that she did most of the cooking.
"And here I thought I married a cook," she said.
Thomas' faith as a practicing Catholic was also recalled by those who loved him.
"He always went dressed up" to church, said Beverly Thomas. "Coat, suit, tie, shoes shined."
Thomas was also a Eucharistic minister, and Tina Thomas said when her mother got sick, her father became more devoted to the church.
Thomas died after a long battle with cancer, and was able to do so in his Goshen home. During this time, he was cared for by Beverly Thomas.
"She did a fantastic job," said Brenda Lessard, of her stepmother. "She put in the most work."
On Monday, flags lined the streets of Goshen and town flags were at half staff for Thomas' funeral procession, which featured representation from police, fire and the Coast Guard.
"It looked like a mini-parade," recalled Tina Thomas.
Later in life, Thomas accomplished one of his life's goals and wrote and published a book, "The Lunch Box......Crossroads Of Williamsburg A Memoir." And since his father's death, Tiger Thomas has been looking through it.
"He kind of gave me guidebook of being a good person," he said.
Bera Dunau can be reached at [email protected]"
Saturda, April 24, 2021, page B2
"Goshen, MA—On Wednesday, April 21st, 2021, Anthony completed his work and was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. This was after a brave and courageous ten-year battle with cancer. Born in Northampton on May 15th,1936, he was the oldest of the seven children of Anthony and Annie (Hathaway) Thomas. He was a man who lived a proud life, and all his accomplishments are impossible to document.
After graduating from Northampton High School, where he excelled academically and in sports, he had his first calling which was to serve his country. He enlisted in an eight year agreement with the United States Coast Guard where he believed he had a better chance of saving lives than taking them. He elevated himself to the rank of Boatswain Mate 3rd Class on the Coast Guard Castle Rock " which essentially put him in charge of the ship's operations under the direction of the Captain. He was instrumental in many lifesaving rescues and proudly patrolled and protected America's East Coast.
During that time period he met his first wife, Celia Marchefka, and married her on June 23, 1956. After their marriage, they moved to Goshen, started a family, and made the choice to be his own boss by starting a business. Using his chef skills learned at Jack August in Northampton, he bought and opened his own business, the legendary "Lunch Box" which he then brought to a whole new level. It was a place where everyone knew your name. It was a place where both staff and customers became his extended family and so much hilltown history was made.
In his time away from both his family and his business, he dedicated what was left to his community. He served for 15 years as Selectman for the Town of Goshen, on the Board of Health, and as Town Moderator. He was a member of the Goshen Historical Association and the Goshen Recreation Unlimited. He proudly served as Co-Chairman of Goshen's Bicentennial celebration. But, of course, 25 years later he also co-chaired the town's 225th celebration. He coached softball for the town's girls and was a member of the Hillside Agricultural Society.
In the spare time he had left he volunteered for more than 20 years as an EMT on Goshen Ambulance. Because serving his community was so important to him, he dedicated over 52 years serving on the Goshen, Williamsburg, and Chesterfield Fire Departments.
As his life progressed, his faith in God deepened. He was a devoted communicant of the Our Lady of the Hills Parish in Haydenville. There he became a Eucharistic Minister.
His greatest pride in life was his family. He leaves behind his wife Beverly (Morin) Ames. He leaves behind four children, Brenda Lessard and her husband Richard, his daughter Tina Thomas, his son Anthony "Tiger" Thomas III and his wife Melissa, and his son John Thomas. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Rachel (Lessard) Feldman, Leslie Lessard, CeCelia Thomas, Anthony Thomas IV, and Addison Thomas. With the family not quite complete he had two great grandchildren Zoey and Charlotte Feldman. He leaves behind three stepsons, Randy Ames and wife Vanessa, Patrick Ames and wife Cindy and Scott Ames and wife Crystal.
His step grandchildren Lara Terounzo, Tanner Ames, Kaitlin Barcomb, Chris Oberther and Samantha Ame. Step Great Grandchildren Killian and Lyanna Terounzo, MacKenzie Barcomb, Cole and Benjamin Curtis.
He leaves three brothers Richard, Henry, and Robert Thomas. Two sisters Evelyn Kellogg Culver and Kathy Bates.
He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children Celia (Marchefka) Thomas, his parents Anthony and Annie Thomas and baby sister Mary Anne Thomas.
Calling hours will be held this Sunday, April 25th from 12:30 pm until 5:30 pm at Ahearn Funeral Home located at 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton, MA.
Due to COVID restrictions the Rites of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Hills at 173 Main St. Haydenville at 10am Monday is limited to family only. It will be live-streamed and is available on the church website (olothhaydenville.org)
There will be a committal service immediately following the Mass at the Goshen Cemetery on Cape St. This service will be open to all who wish to attend.
Doantions in Anthony's memory can be made to either:
Our Lady of the Hills Parish, 173 Main St., Haydenville, MA 01039
Goshen Firefighters Association, 56 Main St., Goshen
Highland Ambulance, 12 Williams Drive, Goshen
The Williamsburg Firefighters Association, PO Box 425, Williamsburg.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of CDH Northampton and all the friends and family who were there to provide for his care at his home.
Ahearn Funeral Home
(413)587-0044"
Daily Hampshire Gazette, Northampton, Massachusetts
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, page A1, front page above the fold
" 'He always gave more than he took'
Anthony Thomas, Jr.,
restaurant owner and
public servant, dies at 84
By BERA DUNAU
Staff Writer
Goshen—Anthony Thomas
Jr., a man who fed the community for decades at the Lunch Box Restaurant and dedicated his life to helping others, died last week at the age of 84.
Known to everyone as either Tom or Tommy, Thomas served in many ways including as a longtime firefighter and town official over the course of a life that was largely spent in the Hilltowns.
"He really served his community, served his church, served his family, served his country," said Brenda Lessard, Thomas' eldest child. "He just gave himself all the time."
In addition to Lessard, Thomas' other children are Tina Thomas, Anthony "Tiger" Thomas III and John Thomas.
"I think he had a good life completed," said Tiger Thomas. "Superheroes are all around us, we just don't know it."
Thomas owned The Lunch Box Restaurant on Route 9 in Williamsburg from 1968 until he closed its doors in 2003. And for 27 of those year, Tina Thomas worked alongside her father at the place she described as "the second town hall of Williamsburg."
"It was definitely a family atmosphere, " she said, recalling how The Lunch Box was a place where strangers would be seated next to one another within its small confines.
Thomas was also a longtime firefighter, serving in the Goshen Fire Department for 52 years, and simultaneously serving in the Chesterfield Fire Department for 20 years and Williamsburg Fire Department for 15 years.
"Whenever there was a fire, he just left the restaurant," said Beverly Thomas, his second wife. His commitment was not to his business as much as it was to helping everybody around him."
The restaurant was also a popular hangout for other firefighters, and Tina Thomas recalled how "you would see six or eight people jump up," when there was activity over the scanner, and how the restaurant would make sandwiches and coffee when there was a fire.
Thomas was also an EMT, and Tiger Thomas recalled how his father once ran out of the restaurant to provide lifesaving care in response to a car accident that happened in front of The Lunch Box. He said this wasn't unusual behavior for his dad.
SEE THOMAS B5
Thomas
From A1
"That's just the way he was," he said.
Thomas was also a veteran, serving in the Coast Guard, so he would not be taking anyone's life," said Beverly Thomas.
Thomas' first wife, Celia Thomas, died of cancer in 1994. And it was around the time of her diagnosis that The Lunch Box became one of the first restaurants in the area to ban smoking indoors, although Tina Thomas said this policy did lose them some customers.
Beverly Thomas also lost her first spouse to cancer, and she and Thomas would have had their 20th wedding anniversary this year.
"I think we were very humbled. Very lucky to have come together." Beverly Thomas said.
In addition to his service as a firefighter and as an EMT, Thomas also served as a member of the Goshen Select Board for 15 years, as a town moderator and on the Board of Health, coached softball and co-chaired both the town's bicentennial and 225th anniversaries.
"He was a guy who always gave more than he took," said Tiger Thomas.
Tiger Thomas said he once tried to give his father business advice about the restaurant, and his father said that sometimes being rich conflicts with being good.
I'd rather be good," said Tiger Thomas, quoting his father. "I think it's the better option."
The Lunch Box's building where the Cumberland Farms in Williamsburg now stands, and to mark its closing, Tina said that a "huge party" was thrown outside.
She also called the popular ham and pickle sandwich on the restaurant's menu—as well as the hundreds of breakfast sandwiches a day she and her father made over several days for the production of the 1999 film "In Dreams."
I started going to The Lunch Box and put ten pounds on," recalled Beverly Thomas.
However at home, before and after the restaurant closed, she said that she did most of the cooking.
"And here I thought I married a cook," she said.
Thomas' faith as a practicing Catholic was also recalled by those who loved him.
"He always went dressed up" to church, said Beverly Thomas. "Coat, suit, tie, shoes shined."
Thomas was also a Eucharistic minister, and Tina Thomas said when her mother got sick, her father became more devoted to the church.
Thomas died after a long battle with cancer, and was able to do so in his Goshen home. During this time, he was cared for by Beverly Thomas.
"She did a fantastic job," said Brenda Lessard, of her stepmother. "She put in the most work."
On Monday, flags lined the streets of Goshen and town flags were at half staff for Thomas' funeral procession, which featured representation from police, fire and the Coast Guard.
"It looked like a mini-parade," recalled Tina Thomas.
Later in life, Thomas accomplished one of his life's goals and wrote and published a book, "The Lunch Box......Crossroads Of Williamsburg A Memoir." And since his father's death, Tiger Thomas has been looking through it.
"He kind of gave me guidebook of being a good person," he said.
Bera Dunau can be reached at [email protected]"
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