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RUSSELL ‘RB’ THOMAS

Russell “RB” Thomas, of Gloucester, loving son, father, husband, brother, and friend, left our world on Sept. 26, 2015 with the zeal and compassion for life that he will take to his resting place.

RB was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1958, after that he enjoyed his adolescent life in Virginia Beach. After graduating from Kempsville High School, he entered the workforce at Newport News Shipbuilding. Soon after, RB entered the company’s Apprentice School and, due to his work ethic and dedication, quickly became an instructor for that institution. RB continued his various duties as a supervisor for the next 35 years. After his illness became apparent, his coworkers forgave leave to his behalf, in unprecedented numbers.

RB loved to hunt, fish, and beat everyone in a round of golf! In addition, he was a dedicated member of the Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad.

RB was preceded in death by his father, Frederick “Pop Fred” Thomas, and his loving mother, Janet Thomas.

RB was survived in death by his wife, Barbara M. Thomas; his children, Mickey Gsell and his wife Lynette Gsell, John Gsell and his wife Tammy Gsell, Melissa Baker, Sheri Svoboda and her husband Michael Svoboda; his grandchildren, Alexander Gsell, T.J. Baker, Elijah Baker, Jacob Gsell, Chelsea Gsell, Ryan Baker, Haley Gsell and Mattie Svoboda, and his brothers, George Thomas and Rick Thomas and his wife Donna Thomas. 

Memorial donations may be made to Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue.

The family received friends at Cornerstone Church on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, from 1-2 p.m. with funeral services starting at 2 o’clock. Burial was in Bellamy Memorial Cemetery.

Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory, Gloucester, was in charge of arrangements.