Frank Thomas passed away Dec. 11. He was born Jan. 22, 1946 in Long Branch. His parents Vera (Little) and Frank Thomas brought him home to Highlands where he spent his entire life. His family grew to include his wife Suzanne (Phillips) Thomas and his daughters Christine and Nancy.
Frank thoroughly enjoyed living in Highlands. He attended Highlands Elementary and graduated from Henry Hudson High School in 1964. Through a Monmouth County Vocational program in 1965 he began an apprenticeship at E. Osborne and Sons Woodworking Mill in Red Bank. Under the guidance of these talented woodworkers, he began his career as an expert in architectural millwork.
As owner and operator of Custom Wood Work in Red Bank, he spent over 50 years beautifying homes in the Two River area. Frank’s skills were admired and he was a legend in his trade. Time spent at the shop will be part of stories for decades. Frank’s art and passion in woodworking extended until after retirement.
Frank was a true outdoorsman. He had his own boat since he was 8 years old. He knew everything there was to know about the local waterways. His expertise made him the local go-to guy for tides, fishing spots and seasons. Frank enjoyed waterfowl hunting beginning in high school. He and his friends built several different styles of hunting boats and blinds. He also enjoyed skeet shooting throughout New Jersey.
These hobbies expanded his base of friendships that reach far and wide. He traveled to Montana, Alaska and Costa Rica with these friends. He was so happy when he took his oldest grandson fishing in Alaska. He helped establish the Monmouth Beach Cartoppers Association in the mid ’70s. He had great pride in his membership in the New Jersey Waterfowlers Association of which he was a founding father and trustee. These friends became a source of love and support throughout his life.
Frank overcame many health obstacles. At birth his parents were told he might never walk due to clubbed feet. He certainly proved the doctors wrong. Developing osteo as well as rheumatoid arthritis in his 30s provided him with a few speed bumps, including multiple joint replacement surgeries. He never complained and always found a way to continue his amazing life. His resiliency has been an inspiration.
Frank’s greatest love and source of pride was his family. Suzanne, is wife of almost 50 years, was his unwavering support throughout his life.
Daughter Christine Hewitt of Lumberton provided Frank with his first son (in-law) Jerry P. Hewitt. Their son’s Jerry T. and Matthew T. Hewitt are constant sources of pride.
Daughter Nancy Burton of Highlands added his second wonderful son (in-law) Robert Burton to the family. The birth of their sons Jack T. and Neil T. Burton brought additional joy.
These four grandchildren brought him years of wonderful experiences and Frank was fascinated by what they were capable of.
Even as an only child Frank Thomas had an enormous family; in-Laws, cousins, treasured friends and acquaintances were what mattered in life to him. Everyone Frank met was of utmost importance. He will always be love and remembered and eternally missed.
A private memorial took place this past week. A Celebration of Life will be held when restrictions are lifted.
The article originally appeared in the December 24 – 30, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
