Roland Mathew Thomas

Roland Mathew Thomas, 74, of Vermilion, died Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 at Fairview Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was born December 6, 1942 in Lorain and had been a Vermilion resident since 1977, moving from Lorain. He was a veteran of the US Navy serving during Vietnam. He graduated from Clearview High School and had received Associate Degrees from DeVry and West Tech Institute, also receiving a Boiler Operator License from West Tech. Roland worked as a photographer, both in the Navy and as a civilian, for 58 years retiring in 2014. He had photographed hundreds of weddings and portraits. He was a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church, Vermilion where he served as the Building Engineer. He was also a member of the Licensing Board for Vermilion, and the VFW Post#7576. Photography was not just Roland's job, he also enjoyed it in his spare time and also loved trains. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sharon R. (nee De La France) Thomas; son, Keith Thomas of Vermilion; and his sisters, Nancy (Claude) Woods of Amherst and Sandy (Salvatore) Tramontana of Lorain. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Thomas on June 22, 2016; father and step mother, John and Lucille Thomas; mother and step father, Juanita (nee Sword) and Way Fun Pong; and brother, Larry Thomas. The family will receive guests on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016 in the gathering space at St. Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion from 10:00 a.m. until the time of a Mass of Christian burial at 12 Noon. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.