Longtime Newtown resident William R. Thomas IV passed away on November 22, at his home, surrounded by his family and love. He was 89. “Dick,” as he was known to all, was born in Allentown, Penn., on June 30, 1931, to the late Daniel Milson and Jean Daugherty Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his second wife, Mary, and his sister, Jean Brooks Flower. He is survived by his four children, William R. Thomas V (Theresa), Caroline Clews (Joe), Lisa Gerrity (Dan), and Kim Glancy (Rich); and eight grandchildren.

Dick graduated from Lawrenceville Prep in 1949 and Lafayette College in 1953. After college, he entered the army as a 1st Lieutenant through the ROTC where he was a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division. After the army, Dick got involved with the family business, M&W Thomas Fabrics. In 1956, he married Norma Matusak. They settled in New Jersey and had four children. In the mid 1960s, the family business was sold and Dick worked in various sales positions for the rest of his career.

Dick and Norma divorced after twenty years of marriage. He later married Mary H. Wilson of Darien in 1983. They moved to Newtown in 1996, where they enjoyed a long and loving marriage.

Dick was an avid golfer and could be found hitting the links at Newtown Country Club on weekends. He was also a talented musician who loved to play the piano for his friends and family. Dick loved his dogs, Lilly and Lola, the outdoors, and taking care of his home.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Regional Hospice at makingthebestofeveryday.org.