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Richard Harding “Rick” Thomas, of Manasquan, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, December 9, 2022, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, with his devoted wife by his side. Rick was born and raised in Marshfield, MA and was a 1962 graduate of Marshfield High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Monmouth College followed by a masters from Suffolk University, Boston, MA. He began his 40-year career as a business manager working first for International Harvester and then Amerada-Hess Corporation. Prior to retirement, his last 15 years were spent with the federal government working for the Department of the Navy, at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, in the Navy Resale and Services Support Office. Within the Commissary Division, he traveled extensively to Naval bases developing plans, protocols and training, in cooperation with the National Industries for the Severely (NISH), enabling those with disabilities to join the workforce with pride, an endeavor he was very proud to represent. Rick and his wife Debbie moved to Manasquan in 1983, where Rick quickly became involved in a lifelong commitment to his adopted community. His love of historical preservation led him to become Building Chairman for the Save Our Station committee to restore the Manasquan Train Station to its previous glory. Over the years, Rick has served his town well as a member and President of the Manasquan Republican Club, serving as Chairman of the Environmental Commission and lastly as a trustee and treasurer for the Squan Beach Life Saving Station for the last 12 years. Rick was an avid cyclist, participating in the NYC Bike Tour over 30 times. He enjoyed woodworking, kayaking, swimming, summer days on Spring Lake Beach, gardening and traveling extensively with his wife throughout New England and the Caribbean Islands and Hawaii.
Those who knew Rick would say that he was a gentle, thoughtful man who had a wicked sense of humor, was quick to offer help, detailed in everything he tried, and was endearingly loyal and kind to his family and friends. There was never a day that went by that Rick didn't let his wife know how much she was loved. He was very special.
Rick was predeceased by his parents Richard R. Thomas and Eleanor Thomas, and his two brothers-in-law Jared Stark and Robert “Red” Von Bergen, his brother and sister-in-law Albert and Pat Kirms, nieces Patricia Stealey and Kathryn Porter, as well as his father and mother-in-law Stanley and Ada DuKiet. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Deborah (nee DuKiet) Thomas of Manasquan. Rick leaves behind his two sisters, his twin Gretchen Stark of Fort Ann, NY and Marcia Von Bergen of Seneca Falls, NY. He was the cherished uncles to a host of nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday, December 15, 2022, from 4-8 pm at Orender Family Home for Funerals, 2643 Old Bridge Road, Manasquan, NJ with a prayer service to begin at 7 pm. Interment will be 10:30 am on Friday, December 16th at Atlantic View Cemetery, 49 Forest Ave., Manasquan, NJ, 08736. Memorial donations may be made to Squan Beach Life-Saving Station, PO Box 45, Manasquan, NJ 08736. To send a condolence to the family please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net.