Obituary of John T. Thomas

John Taylor Thomas, 89, of Penfield, NY, died February 15 at Rochester General Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Rebecca Thomas, brother, Ralph Jr. of Pittsburgh and by Mimi, his devoted wife of 67 years. He is survived by his brother, Robert Thomas of Pittsburgh and five children, John Jr. (Sarah Davis), Jeffrey (Jane) and their children, James, Rebekah, Sarah and Susannah, Timothy (Jody) and their children, Joel and Joelle, David, Christine (Thomas) Tsen (William Tsen) and their children, Kira and Liam. John was a WWII Army Veteran of the 29th Infantry Division. He received the B.M. and M.M. from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Joseph Mariano and was awarded the Performer's Certificate. John played principal flute in the San Antonio Symphony and Rochester Chamber Orchestra, and flute and piccolo in the Rochester Philharmonic/Eastman-Rochester Orchestra, performing on dozens of landmark recordings conducted by Hanson and Fennel. For 44 years, John taught flute and chamber music at Eastman School and Eastman Community Music School, with summers at Tally-Ho Music Camp and the Allegheny Festival. After retiring in 1995, John renewed his love for organ playing, serving Brighton UCC through his last year. He was a warm and beloved father and grandfather. John and Mimi lived in Penfield Hills for 47 years, enjoying a close community of friends and, in the past year, the assistance of a remarkable caregiver, Rosette Klekota. A Memorial Service is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Wildlife Fund. ( www.worldwildlife.org).