John J. Thomas, age 86, of Mesa, AZ, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2004 following a brief illness. John was born December 31, 1917 in Chicago, IL, son of the late Frank and Martha Raudeliunas Tomasevicius. He was a veteran of the United Sates Army having served as Corporal during WW II. Prior to his retirement in 1980, John was a graphic artist with the Teletype Corp. in Skokie, IL for 38 years. John was a man of many talents and had the distinction of being a published artist in the Artists Magazine. As a musician, he was an accomplished accordion player, but had the ability to just pick up and play most any instrument. He was one of the band members with the notable “Harmonicats.” John will be remembered for his volunteer work with the Mesa Public Library through his efforts with the “Talking Books for the Blind” program. John is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Valerie Wopinski Thomas; two sons, John F. (Donna) Thomas of Wyoming, Michigan, Robert J. (Candace) Thomas of Lindenhurst, IL; and a sister, Fran Nauseda of Antioch, IL. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assn., Greater Phoenix Chapeter, 1028 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006. Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Funeral Care, in Mesa, AZ. 480-830-4422.
