Robert Thomas, Jr.

Robert Thomas, Jr. 73, of Bethlehem, passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2021 while enjoying what he loved most, playing golf.  He was the loving companion of Debra “Deb” (Troiani) Fritz  for over 10 loving years. Born in Allentown, he was the son of Ella M. (Traupman) Thomas and the late Robert Thomas, Sr. Bob was a graduate of William Allen Vocational Technical Program, class of 1966. He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal. Bob was an employee of Air Products and Chemicals and later for Sumitomo Cryogenics of America where he was employed for over 30 dedicated years.

He was a member of Advent Moravian Church and their Golf League, the Emmaus Senior Golf League and he participated in many community benefit golfing tournaments. Bob was also a lifetime member of the St. Peter and Paul Hungarian Hall, Northampton, the Emmaus Historical Society, Lenni Lenape Native Americans of Bucks County, Unami Fish and Game Association, Emmaus, the Bethlehem Food Co-Op and the Nam Knights, Lehigh Valley Chapter where he was known as ‘Indian Bob’. Bob had a passion for Archeological Studies of the Native American Indians educating many individuals through presentations throughout his life.

He was an avid hunter, golfer and enjoyed volunteering as Santa Clause at the Vera Cruz Fire company spreading joy to many children in the Christmas season. Bob was commonly known as ‘MacGyver’ helping anyone and fixing anything. His last act of kindness was through his anatomical gift donation helping over 50 individuals. 

Survivors: In addition to his loving mother Ella Thomas of Zionsville and companion Deb Fritz with whom he resided, he will be lovingly remembered by his sister Crystal Prickler and her husband Mark of Slatington; brother Jeff Thomas of Barto; Lara Boshell and her husband Edward and their daughters Rylee and Emma; nephews Matthew Prickler of Fogelsville and Arie Prickler of Malvern as well as many loving cousins and friends. 

Services: A Funeral Service will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 where the family will receive relatives and friends from 9 A.M. until time of the service. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Bethlehem Memorial Park Cemetery. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Nam Knights, Lehigh Valley Chapter to benefit veterans of the Vietnam War, c/o the funeral home. 

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