Irving J. Thomas, Sr.

U.S. Air Force
1954 - 1974
Vietnam War

Mr. Thomas was born in Harlem, NY, in 1935. He moved to Mount Loretto in 1945 after the death of his mother. He attended Tottenville High School but dropped out in 1954 to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, where he pursued and completed his G.E.D.

Throughout his military career, Irving continually strived to stay current with military trainings, policy and procedures in order to effectively and efficiently perform his duties to the best of his ability.

In 1953, while building a life on Staten Island, Irving met the love of his life, the late Barbara Jean Thomas (neé Stapleton) who passed on Feb 2, 2020. After a long courtship they were joined in holy matrimony in 1963.

After over 20 years traveling the world and serving in the Vietnam War, Mr. Thomas returned to Staten Island in 1974 with his wife and their three children: son, Irving J. Thomas Jr. of Melbourne, FL; two daughters, Garnette Woods, of Charlotte, N.C; and Tracy Thomas (of Staten Island).

He secured employment with Procter and Gamble in the coast soap division. After 17 years at Procter and Gamble, with the closing of the plant, he retired to pursue his love of pigeon racing, a hobby of his since he was 10 years old.

Today, no longer racing, Irving continues his hobby of flying pigeons. He also enjoys traveling around the country as well as overseas. Mr. Thomas continues to reside in the neighborhood.

Sponsored by Tracy Thomas