Gary A. Thoma

Gary A. Thoma, 74, of Trumbull passed away at home October 16, 2021. He was the husband of Margery L. Thoma. Gary was born in Lafayette, Indiana on June 29, 1947, a son of the late Edward and Virginia Thoma. He grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana where he graduated in 1966 from North Side High School and also earned his Associate’s Degree from Ivy Tech. He gave everything he had to his family, his church, and his country. He was extremely proud— and rightfully so—of his 22 years of military service in the U.S. Air Force and N.Y. Air National Guard where he served with the 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron. He was proud to be an employee of Sikorsky Aircraft for 27 years, contributing to the assembly and flight of countless helicopters for military, civilian, and life-saving service. He was proud of his church where he dedicated his gifts, time, and service. He was proud to be a hoosier and a life-long Purdue University fan. On the day he died, his beloved Boilermakers had an improbable road win against the secondranked football team in the nation. He didn’t watch the game on television, as he is now traveling with the team.

In addition to his wife of 44 years, Margery, and her brother, James Ash, Gary is survived by a family who brought him boundless joy: daughter, Heidi; son, Benjamin and his wife, Danielle; grandchildren, Patrick and Katherine; sister, Barbara; brothers, Mark and David; and 14 nieces and nephews. Gary was known by all as a kind, warm, and cheerful Christian who would be the first to volunteer for any task and the last to leave it. He will always be remembered by his family, friends, and community as the kind of soul we all aspire to be.

A memorial service will be held directly at Nichols United Methodist Church, 35 Shelton Rd., Trumbull, CT on Saturday, October 23 at 10:00 a.m. Military honors and inurnment will follow in the Burial Garden at the church. Masks must be worn and social distancing observed. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Gary’s memory may be made to the Nichols United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 35 Shelton Rd., Trumbull, CT 06611, or to the American Parkinson Disease Association, CT Chapter, PO Box 248, Shelton, CT 06484. Arrangements are under the direction of Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull, CT. To leave an online condolence, visit www.abriola. com.