Obituary of Bruce J. Thomas

Bruce J. Thomas, 78, of Viera, Florida, passed away on July 21, 2010 at his home with his family at his side. He was a Brevard resident for 23 years. Bruce was born and raised in Baldwin, Long Island, NY. He had a widely varied career. After beginning in television production he moved into the business equipment/computer field in sales then management. He enjoyed long careers with the NCR and Memorex Corporations, then fulfilled his dream of early retirement to the beach. In retirement Bruce was an avid golfer, and also enjoyed attending trials in Brevard County courtrooms. Many of the trial attorneys and judges knew him and even asked his opinion before deliberations. He thoroughly enjoyed his retired years, but missed his work, and became an Associate Publisher of Senior Scene Magazine. As was his way, he quickly became the magazine's top sales/marketing person. Everyone knew Bruce for his humor, positive attitude and magnetic personality. He made everyone from janitor to CEO feel special, and feel better after any encounter with him, however brief. Bruce never missed a single ballgame or event involving his children or grandchildren. He always found a way to be there. Over the years Bruce passed on to his family and friends his themes of: self-confidence, positive attitude, and staying true to one's self. He is survived by his beloved wife Diane, his son Dr. Bruce J. Thomas II (Susan), his grandchildren Ryan Thomas (Sara), Kyle Thomas, Kelly Brown (Jay Degnan), and Tim Brown, and his great-grandchildren Savannah Degnan and Nicholas Degnan. Bruce is also survived by his niece Kathy Burns. He was preceded in death by his daughter Terri Brown and a sister Jane Spidell. Services will be held at Beach Funeral Home, 4999 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida on Saturday, July 24, 2010 from 10:00-11:00. Burial to follow at Florida Memorial Gardens at 12:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent in his honor to The Central Brevard Humane Society, 1020 Cox Road, Cocoa, FL. 32926.