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Stephanie Strawbridge
Frederick Kenneth Thomas was born in Birmingham, Alabama, Jefferson County on November 3, 1937, the second of three children born to the union of Theron and Allie Belle Thomas.
Fred graduated from East Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio and worked as a manager at Thom McCan Shoe store. His career ended as a Store Manager when he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces, serving in the United States Army, the United States Air Force as a Major, followed by many years in the Army Reserves.
Fred received his Nursing degree from the Alexian Brothers School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois, which was at that time an all-male nursing school, receiving a great amount of teaching alongside physicians at that time. Later, furthering his education at Kent State University.
Alexian Brothers Hospital was his first employment as a Registered Nurse.
Fred worked with Dr Vic Ippilato, the founder of Shaker Medical Center Hospital, Saint Luke’s Hospital, and the Veterans Administration Hospital during his Nursing career. Fred retired from the Louis Stokes Veterans Administration hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. Although, nursing was his profession, many thought of him as a physician as his knowledge base was very broad. In addition, he earned a certification in Midwifery to enhance and develop his interest in family practice. One of his life regrets as expressed to one of his daughters was that he never attended medical school. Well, one would never know it, as he was affectionately called the “Family doctor” and called upon frequently for his medical opinion.
Fred’s inquisitiveness was his second nature and he had a passion for learning, his mind was always in motion. After retiring, Fred pursued increasing his knowledge base by taking college classes such as Spanish, Physics, Chemistry and Biology into his eighties. He was a Life learner.
One of the highlights in Fred’s life was his time spent serving as a Nurse in Saudi Arabia. Here he provided medical expertise and assistance, enjoying it so much, he signed up for two tours. While in the Middle East, Fred enjoyed traveling and visiting many places, including the noteworthy countries of Ghana, Nigeria and Ethiopia in Africa.
While stationed in Massachusetts Fred met Molly Sequeira and they had two beautiful daughters Melissa and Denise (Dina).
Later, in life, Fred married Marleen Moran and added three more beautiful daughters, Mary Monica, Bridget, and Rebeka.
Fred loved to be of assistance and service to others, serving as a mentor and father figure to many people. He was genuinely interested and did encourage you in your path of life. When you were in a conversation with him, you had his complete attention.
Fred loved to fix things, demonstrated in his hands on approach to fixing up houses, lawns and his many cars. Yes, we think the old Volkswagen is still in his father’s garage. Fred was constantly on the go, by visiting folks, running errands, and taking long leisurely drives on Sunday afternoons. He was extremely close to his brother Donald; they had a special relationship and spoke with each other daily. He stayed connected to his brother’s families, his many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Fred loved to eat and desert time was one of his favorite times. He had a love of Ice Cream and cookies, always looking for a little dessert at any function. Fred looked forward to his weekly Sunday dinners with his brother Donald.
All in all, Fred lived a full circle life, playing the Drums, the Congos, and Bongos. But his favorite pastime was Line Dancing. If there was music playing, Fred was dancing. He was familiar with all the past and current Line Dances, and traveled throughout the city to learn and teach them to family and friends.
Fred departed this earthly life on May 5th and is now dancing among the Angels….
He leaves to cherish his memories his five lovely daughters: Melissa (Jesus Montes) Mai, Denise (Dina) Sequeira, Mary Monica (Wade Kosakowski) Thomas, Bridget Beth (Enrique) Lipezker, and Rebeka Eden(Enrique) Barrera; Grandchildren: Christopher Mai, Elise and Enrique Lipezker, his loving brother Theron Donald and Sister-In-Love, Mary Thomas; Special cousins Luther Pearl (Boots) Shields, Clifford Johnson and Lois Graham; Special and faithful companion; Yvonne Hobbs and her children, Phillip and Ashley Hobbs.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents: Theron and Allie Belle Thomas, Sister-in-Love, Noreen Thomas and his dear brother Edward Gerald and his wife, Sandra Thomas, and their daughter Detra Elaine Thomas.
Fred will be missed by many, but leaves a loving and caring legacy to those who knew him.
Fred graduated from East Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio and worked as a manager at Thom McCan Shoe store. His career ended as a Store Manager when he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces, serving in the United States Army, the United States Air Force as a Major, followed by many years in the Army Reserves.
Fred received his Nursing degree from the Alexian Brothers School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois, which was at that time an all-male nursing school, receiving a great amount of teaching alongside physicians at that time. Later, furthering his education at Kent State University.
Alexian Brothers Hospital was his first employment as a Registered Nurse.
Fred worked with Dr Vic Ippilato, the founder of Shaker Medical Center Hospital, Saint Luke’s Hospital, and the Veterans Administration Hospital during his Nursing career. Fred retired from the Louis Stokes Veterans Administration hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. Although, nursing was his profession, many thought of him as a physician as his knowledge base was very broad. In addition, he earned a certification in Midwifery to enhance and develop his interest in family practice. One of his life regrets as expressed to one of his daughters was that he never attended medical school. Well, one would never know it, as he was affectionately called the “Family doctor” and called upon frequently for his medical opinion.
Fred’s inquisitiveness was his second nature and he had a passion for learning, his mind was always in motion. After retiring, Fred pursued increasing his knowledge base by taking college classes such as Spanish, Physics, Chemistry and Biology into his eighties. He was a Life learner.
One of the highlights in Fred’s life was his time spent serving as a Nurse in Saudi Arabia. Here he provided medical expertise and assistance, enjoying it so much, he signed up for two tours. While in the Middle East, Fred enjoyed traveling and visiting many places, including the noteworthy countries of Ghana, Nigeria and Ethiopia in Africa.
While stationed in Massachusetts Fred met Molly Sequeira and they had two beautiful daughters Melissa and Denise (Dina).
Later, in life, Fred married Marleen Moran and added three more beautiful daughters, Mary Monica, Bridget, and Rebeka.
Fred loved to be of assistance and service to others, serving as a mentor and father figure to many people. He was genuinely interested and did encourage you in your path of life. When you were in a conversation with him, you had his complete attention.
Fred loved to fix things, demonstrated in his hands on approach to fixing up houses, lawns and his many cars. Yes, we think the old Volkswagen is still in his father’s garage. Fred was constantly on the go, by visiting folks, running errands, and taking long leisurely drives on Sunday afternoons. He was extremely close to his brother Donald; they had a special relationship and spoke with each other daily. He stayed connected to his brother’s families, his many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Fred loved to eat and desert time was one of his favorite times. He had a love of Ice Cream and cookies, always looking for a little dessert at any function. Fred looked forward to his weekly Sunday dinners with his brother Donald.
All in all, Fred lived a full circle life, playing the Drums, the Congos, and Bongos. But his favorite pastime was Line Dancing. If there was music playing, Fred was dancing. He was familiar with all the past and current Line Dances, and traveled throughout the city to learn and teach them to family and friends.
Fred departed this earthly life on May 5th and is now dancing among the Angels….
He leaves to cherish his memories his five lovely daughters: Melissa (Jesus Montes) Mai, Denise (Dina) Sequeira, Mary Monica (Wade Kosakowski) Thomas, Bridget Beth (Enrique) Lipezker, and Rebeka Eden(Enrique) Barrera; Grandchildren: Christopher Mai, Elise and Enrique Lipezker, his loving brother Theron Donald and Sister-In-Love, Mary Thomas; Special cousins Luther Pearl (Boots) Shields, Clifford Johnson and Lois Graham; Special and faithful companion; Yvonne Hobbs and her children, Phillip and Ashley Hobbs.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents: Theron and Allie Belle Thomas, Sister-in-Love, Noreen Thomas and his dear brother Edward Gerald and his wife, Sandra Thomas, and their daughter Detra Elaine Thomas.
Fred will be missed by many, but leaves a loving and caring legacy to those who knew him.
