Wilbert “Bud” Thomas Jr.

Bud’s home was his castle that he ruled with gentle authority. Words were used sparingly: “ don’t talk to hear yourself talk”. rnHe retired as a steamfitter with Philadelphia Electric where he was known to sleep on the locker room floor between shifts, he never missed an opportunity to work a double. His peers crowned him Mr. Wonderful because he solved all problems work related.rnOnce home in Swedesboro neighborhood kids would convene to get coached in the art of baseball. He was both pitcher and umpire encouraging them to improve their game. He went to all his kid’s and grandkid’s games , knew teammate’s names and cheered them on. Neighborhood children brought their schedules to Bud making sure he’d be there.rnHe married Connie his high school sweetheart in1959 and they were blessed with 4 children:Wilbert “Bud”, 3rd, Kathleen Feldman Rode, Laurence and John “Chris”, and 10 grandchildren, his greatest joy. He is also survived by a brother, John. Come celebrate 71 grandfatherly years Wednesday from 6 to 8PM and Thursday from 10AM at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Hwy., Swedesboro where storytime will begin at 11am . Burial Lake Park Cemetery.rnDonations to the donor’s charity of choice will be appreciated.rn