Benjamin Thomas

WINCHESTER CENTER — Dr. Benjamin Thomas, 72, of Winchester Center, died April 30, 2010, following a short illness. Born June 5, 1937, in Winsted, he was a son of the late Martha L. (Turner) and Benjamin J. Thomas.

Mr. Thomas was a retired educator, having taught at St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol for more than 30 years. He was also a municipal historian for the town of Winchester until his death. He was president of the Winchester Historical Association, served as a member and docent of the Winchester Historical Society and as a steward of the Winchester Grange. He served four years as state secretary of the Sons of the American Revolution as well as president, vice president and secretary of the Oliver Wolcott Sr. Chapter 10, Connecticut Society Sons of the American Revolution.

Mr. Thomas’ passion in life was his interest in genealogy and serving his community as a recognized historian. He held a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, and completed post-doctoral studies at Yale University. He was also an exchange student at Merton College, Oxford University, England, conducted by the British Association of Cultural Exchange and sponsored by Columbia University, New York.

Mr. Thomas is survived by a sister, Linda Ellis of Winsted; a brother, Robert Thomas of Cape Coral, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. A private memorial service was to be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Norfolk, followed by burial in the Thomas family plot in St. Joseph Cemetery in Winsted.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Winchester Historical Association, Winchester Center, CT 06094. To leave an online condolence, visit maloneyfuneral.com.

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