Mr. Anthony Blase Thomas' Obituary
ANTHONY BLASE THOMAS, 71 years old, was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on February 3, 1953 to Tony and Jennie Thomas. He lived his formative years in New Middletown, Ohio, working on his family’s dairy farm milking cows every day from early mornings and again in the evenings. Along with his brother Simon, he grew the most delicious Silver Queen corn in the nation. He also worked in the steel mills until he eventually moved to Texas for better employment opportunities.
Tony obtained certification at the A.T.E.S. Technical School in Warren, Ohio, in the fields of refrigeration, HVAC, and air conditioning. That degree brought him to Dallas where he worked his way to the top position of Director of Operations at the Anatole Hotel and was awarded Employee of the Month and Manager of the Quarter more than five times. He remained at the Hilton Anatole for more than 25 years.
Admired by the people (all of the people) who worked for him or for whom he worked he demonstrated a great work ethic and earned the right to be proud of his work.
Tony is preceded in death by both parents, Tony Thomas and Jennie Thomas, and his older brother Simon Thomas, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jack and Oleta Greaves.
Survived by his wife, Donna Greaves Thomas, of Dallas, Texas, and Lillianna Ferraro of San Diego, CA, considered by Tony and Donna as their daughter;
sister Adeline (Honey) Jacono, and husband Frank of Avon, Ohio;
sisters-in-law Alice Barrow (Tommy) of Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas; Linda Greaves of Tulsa, Oklahoma; brother-in-law Jack (“Randy”) Greaves of Dallas, Texas.
Nephews Frank Jacono (Julie) of Westlake, Ohio and Anthony Jacono (Kari) of Avon, Ohio; Joe Barrow (Melissa) of Breckenridge, Texas, and Michael Barrow (Mandy) of Boerne, Texas; Travis Greaves (Holly) of Alexandria, Virginia, and Jackson Greaves of Dallas, Texas.
Nieces Kory McClintock (Greg) of Skiatook, Oklahoma and Kristy Hodgson (Matt) of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Amber Barhorst (Clayton) of The Woodlands, Texas, and Shelby Greaves (Dallas, Texas).
Great nieces and nephews Brenna Richey (Landry), Cadence Barrow, Tommy Joe (“Trip”) Barrow, and Jett Barrow; Merrick Barrow and Myron Barrow; Gage Hodgson, Wyatt Hodgson and Tanner Hodgson; Fisher Greaves, Catherine Greaves and Barrett Greaves; Jay Barhorst, Jeff Barhorst and Sarah (“Sadie”) Barhorst; Sophia Jacono and Frank (“Frankie”) Jacono; Simona Jacono, Maria Jacono, and Anthony (“A.J.”) Jacono.
Tony was truly loved and admired by everyone including in laws, neighbors, friends, associates, co workers and superiors – but no one more than Donna. A remarkable guy who lived by honesty, kindness, generosity and his word. He good naturedly (and proudly) answered to many monikers as noted in a Facebook post by his assistant of many years, Lucy Molina:
We honor the memory of a legend, Sir Tony Thomas (Big Red, El Rojo, El Jefe), whose leadership, mentorship, guidance, and friendship left an indelible mark. His absence will be deeply felt every day! Thank you Tony, tonight I toast a shot, may you live forever in our hearts! Sending my deepest condolences to his wife Donna, their immediate family and The Anatole Family & Friends.
Rest Easy Bossman!
He is and will be missed and loved always.
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