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John Brunette posted a condolence
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Our belated condolences to Kathy, Jim, Jennifer, and your families on the passing of Russ. We were your neighbors for 18 years on Hartsdale Rd. and respected, enjoyed, and could always count on your friendship. Russ ALWAYS acknowledged us with a smile, a wave, and a kind word. We miss neighbors like Russ and Kathy, ‘Moo’, the Plunketts, and the Ryans. Great People and Great Memories. A true Gentleman, Scholar, Professor, and Good Neighbor! God Bless Russ!
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Wendy Eismann-Thomas pledged to donate to Irondequoit Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund
Saturday, July 6, 2019
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Harry & Annette Stanton posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Please accept our condolences to Russ's family for their loss.
Russ was always a great friend and colleague for many years.
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The McGinnis Family lit a candle
Friday, May 31, 2019
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Heaven's Choir of Angels and God's Orchestra has gained a true maestro. Mr. Thomas' love and compassion for his students, and their parents, knew no bounds. A true teacher in the greatest sense of the word. Thank you, Mr. Thomas. We will forever hold you in our hearts. We will never forget you. Have fun playing your trumpet to the Ultimate Audience! God bless you and your beloved family.
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Diana Palotas posted a condolence
Friday, May 31, 2019
Jennifer, Dave, Kathy and Jim,
What an amazing person to share your life with. Thank you for sharing him with so many people. Russ will never be forgotten.
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Barbara Dupra pledged to donate to Irondequoit Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund
Thursday, May 30, 2019
In memory of Russ Thomas.
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Bonnie Arnold posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
My husband Gaylon and I have been thinking of Russ and all the many varied ways we knew him. We marvel at the variety of talents and interests he shared with all Irondequoit, to the benefit of literally thousands of people over a life so well lived. He will be missed on so many levels! He defined kindness, patience, and enthusiasm in teaching my kids; in leading the music and arts community of Irondequoit for decades; in caring for others through his work with the Fire Dept.; and in his championing of the good in our community at large. His impact will be felt locally and far beyond our boundaries by the many musicians whose instruments he lavished care upon in the over 50 years he operated his repair shop. It was a privilege to know and work with him and his talented family!
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Wendy J. Monsell purchased flowers
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
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Sheila McGrail posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
To the entire Thomas family I send my deepest sympathies. Mr Thomas was an inspiration to so many including me. He started me playing clarinet in 2nd. grade in Durand Eastman school and I played straight through high school. It was an honor to know him. East Irondequoit has gained a guardian angel looking over all. Keep playing your music to us all. Thank you for being a great man to so many.
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Joe and Carolyn Hinchman posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Carolyn and I and our kids Sara and CJ, have had the wonderful privilege of knowing Russ and his family for 35 years through Irondequoit Presbyterian church.
We all have so many fond memories of Russ on family camp outs, church functions, choir, church band, sunday school, session and the list goes on. All made more enjoyable and special because of Russ and Kathy and family.
IPC is a special place in all our hearts because of Russ and the Thomas's.
Thank you Russ, I know we'll see you someday leader the big brass band at the Pearly Gates! God Bless.
Joe and Carolyn, Sara and CJ
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Maria Catalano posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Thank you Mr. Thomas for starting me in music when I was in 4th grade in 1970. You always made me believe that I could do better. You were always so nice, in the true meaning of the word! Know that this community really loved you, you were awesome! To the Thomas family - I am truly sorry for your loss!
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Kathy Johnson Richards posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. If I weren't nPy3q500 miles away, I would be at the funeral to see you and the Family. Russ was quite the guy! He will be missed by many, many people.
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Manuel and Sylvia Perez posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to his family and our prayers for Russ's soul.
May he rest in peace
Sylvia and Manny Perez
Manuel Perez Woodwind Repairs
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John Huth posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
I am so grateful for my association with Russ and Jen, fellow NAPBIRT members in the pursuit of excellence. Russ was a guiding light in my own growth as a technician and as a teacher. Thank you, Russ.
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Deb Hustis lit a candle
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
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What an honor to know Russ and the entire Thomas family. He will be terribly missed. Prayers and blessings to the entire Thomas family.
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John Witherell posted a condolence
Monday, May 27, 2019
Aunt Kathy. It was very nice to speak with you on the phone Sunday, May 26. It's mind blowing how many accomplishments Uncle Russ achieved throughout his life. The times I had to visit with him were second to none. I loved his sense of humor. It was the same humor I have and we would laugh a lot. I only wish I could have spent much more time with you all. Miami isn't exactly up the street. I will keep his memory alive in my heart and hopefully meet up with him again when I'm called Home. May God Bless you all during this time of loss and grieving. I also rejoice that he is with the Lord and out of the suffering of this world. I will keep you in my prayers. Take care and my condolences to you all. John
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Megan posted a condolence
Saturday, May 25, 2019
My heart goes out to his family. Mr and Mrs Thomas were such wonderful people to my grandmother, Judy, and I will be forever grateful for their friendship. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
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DeBorah DeBose-Taylor posted a condolence
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Kathy, James, and Jennifer,
So sorry for your lost.. I only got to know Russ in 2018, as I'm one of the newest members of the Irondequoit Concert Band.. Russ always greeted me with a smile...
While reading the obituary, it is apparent he will be missed in the Rochester community as well..
Prayers for your Strength.. DeB
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Karen Daskawicz posted a condolence
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Deepest condolences to the family and many friends of Mr. Thomas. From his bio, it is clear that he lead a rich and varied life -- and he will be greatly missed not only by his loved ones but by the community as well.
I had Mr. Thomas as a teacher at Ridgewood and my youngest sister, Pam, was a closer friend of the family -- the family taking her in temporarily when both of our parents happened to be hospitalized at the same time. I knew the family who owned the house on Portland for many years before the Thomases purchased it. When I finally handed off my childhood clarinet to my niece, I didn't have to wonder where to take it for refurbishing: Thomas Music!
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David Bauer posted a condolence
Saturday, May 25, 2019
One of the most very kind and good teachers when I was at Ridgewood. I will never forget when he asked me about possibly taking up an instrument; my late Mother had one of the violins that her Dad made himself during the Great Depression, and she asked me if I’d want to learn how to play it.
I opted for the choir instead. I sure regret it now; Russ would’ve been such an excellent teacher, and I’d have a way to remember my Mom.
May God Bless Russ and his family.
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irma legon posted a condolence
Saturday, May 25, 2019
i dont know where to begin, Russ was such a spwcial man, mant find memories of him, at band camp where i was a chaperone, to the everyday man. he will be remembered fondly. my deepest condolences to the family
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Diane McHale-Mix and Ron Mix posted a condolence
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Please know that we will always have good memories and love in our hearts for Russ and the family. We are unable to attend the services due to planned air travel and lodging arrangements for a family visit in Chicago. While we wanted to reschedule this trip, it is not really an option at this time. We look forward to the time when we can smile and laugh because we had the privilege of sharing a friendship with Russ in our lives. We are working through the sorrow his loss brings, and hope that you will find comfort and healing in the knowing he was loved by so many. He truly left our world, making it a better place for us all.
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Don Vallone lit a candle
Saturday, May 25, 2019
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For the light he shared with so many....
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Rob and Sam Line posted a condolence
Saturday, May 25, 2019
This is such a beautifully written tribute to an incredible man, teacher, musician, the list goes on... Sending our love to the whole Thomas family.
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Susan Ward posted a condolence
Friday, May 24, 2019
Dear Kathy, Jennifer, and Jim...
I am so very very sorry to know that Russ is no longer with us!! Simply no words to express what a huge loss this is for everyone.
My favorite memory of Russ is of listening to his stories around the campfire during the IPC camping weekends. Priceless. And the twinkle in his eyes. He will never be forgotten.
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The family of J. Russell Thomas uploaded a photo
Friday, May 24, 2019
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