John R. Thomas II ’40

Known to us as “Johnny” or “Tom,” John Thomas died April 30, 2014, at age 96, in Elmhurst Township, Pa. Born in nearby Scranton, he prepared for Princeton at Phillips Exeter Academy.

At Princeton he majored in mechanical engineering, took his meals at Key and Seal, and ran freshman track. His senior-year roommates were Binns, Havens, Saunders, Young, Semple, Brown, Butler, and Sparks. He earned an MBA from the University of Connecticut in 1944.

John spent his entire life with Wesel Manufacturing Co. in Scranton, where he was the owner, president, CEO, and chairman. His civic and charitable work included the First Presbyterian Church of Elmhurst, the First National Community Bank of Dunmore, the Audubon Society, North Pocono Joint Schools Authority, and the Boy Scouts, among others.

John was predeceased by Jean, his wife of 69 years. He is survived by two daughters, Barbara and Sue; their families; and two grandchildren. We wish him a fond farewell and also wish that we had seen more of him over the years.