Thomas, Allan David

Allan David Thomas, of Hope Valley, RI, died on January 1, 2024 at home just a month shy of his 92nd birthday and 65th wedding anniversary. He was born in Manchester, CT on January 31, 1932 to David and Beatrice (Gareau) Thomas, the younger of two sons. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Roger.

A life-long resident of Manchester until retirement, Allan attended Manchester public schools. He studied at the University of Michigan for a year before transferring to University of Connecticut where he earned a B.A. and his law degree. Post-university, Allan served in the U.S. Army, both active duty and reserves. He was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1957. In addition to his private law practice in Manchester, he was active in professional committees as well as community organizations, most notably St. Mary's Episcopal Church as vestry member and warden for many years; trustee of Manchester Memorial Hospital and ECHN; past president of the Manchester Scholarship Foundation; Corporator of The Savings Bank of Manchester, MISAC President, and a Democratic Town Committee member for over 25 years. Allan held several public offices in Manchester including Town Court prosecutor, Town Development Commission, Housing Authority legal counsel, and Board of Education where he was Chairman for 6 of his 10 years. He leaves behind his wife of almost 65 years, Lyn Thomas (Norris), daughters Suzanne Abrams (Ed) of Norwalk CT, Jennifer Thomas (Jeff Rossi) of Hope Valley, RI, and Carrie Thomas of Chicago, IL. He delighted in being "Pop" to granddaughters, Abigail and Caroline Abrams and looked forward to all their doings as he watched them grow up. He especially enjoyed hearing their tales of college visits as he relived doing the same with his own daughters. He was famous in the family for his sweet tooth, in particular, ice cream sundaes with extra whipped cream. As well as a family devotee, Allan was an avid reader with a penchant for history and espionage stories, a crossword puzzle aficionado, and an active sports' enthusiast. Upon retirement, Allan and Lyn relocated to Hope Valley, RI where he could indulge his primary sports interest of golf. He could be counted on to be playing, watching, or talking golf year-round (in fact, he and Lyn twice owned homes abutting golf courses, which, unfortunately, did not improve his game!). Another sports passion, appropriate enough for a Connecticut native, was his love of Uconn basketball.

A gathering in Allan's memory will be held May 2024 in Manchester. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Manchester Scholarship Foundation.

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries