Alvin Paul Thomas, Sr.

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Thomas Sr went to be with the Lord on Oct. 23, 2023 at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. He was born on July 26, 1952 to Edgar and Mary Thomas (deceased). Alvin is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Edgar Mae and Barbara Jean. His surviving siblings are Albert (married to Lorene), Edgar Benjamin (married to Mary Louise), Pamela Joy, and John Thomas (married to Tina Marie). Alvin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of over 50 years, Macy (Almeta), his daughters Sharmeen Ferrell (married to Derik) and Artyce Thomas, and his son Alvin Thomas Jr. (married to Vanessa). His legacy also extends to his grandchildren Caila, Coryn, Coryssa, Sydnee, Alvin III, and Braxton, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Alvin also leaves behind god children, Thomas Lamont Joy and Kamerin Morris, in addition to special friends, Rev. Theodore Tisinger, Joseph Kubacka, Matthew Thompson, Joseph Morris, Sylvester Hardison, and Earl Hinton. Alvin graduated from Johnstown Sr High in 1970 and after graduation attended mechanic school in Blairsville Pa. Shortly thereafter he began a career at Bethlehem Steel, working his way through many departments and positions with a career that spanned over 2 decades. During the downsizing of Bethlehem Steel, Alvin transitioned to Peoples Natural Gas and retired as a Station Engineer in 2015 with over 20 years of service. In the early 1980's Alvin answered the call of duty by enlisting in the United States Army Reserves, where he served with distinction in the 485th Chemical Battalion unit and various other units. Throughout his military tenure, he held positions of great responsibility in numerous posts. This culminated in an illustrious 25+ years of service before his well deserved retirement in 2010. Alvin's dedication was exemplified during his deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom.He was a life-long member of Chas. Menoher Post 155 VFW, where he served as president of the ritual team. Family held a special place in Alvin's heart, and he reveled in their company. He at times could be known as the family humorist, providing many family members with personal epithets and impromptu gags. He was an avid outdoorsman, and never missed an opportunity to hunt with his son, brothers and nephews. He also enjoyed fishing, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and riding his Harley Davidson which brought him great joy. Another favorite pastime that Alvin enjoyed was spending summers at the beach with family. Alvin's footprint in the community was indelible. He served as a mentor to many, dedicating himself to coaching multiple sports teams in which his son participated. Whether engaged in neighborhood revitalization efforts or contributing faithfully to the United Way, his heart overflowed with a spirit of service. A devout member of First Cambria AME Zion Church, Alvin lent his voice to the Who Soever Will Choir, and served with distinction in the positions of Steward and Trustee. Please consider subscribing to the list for Be The Match registry, for there are countless souls in dire need of Stem Cell Transplants to combat a multitude of conditions. Friends received Monday 4-7PM at John Henderson Company funeral Home, 215 Central Ave., where funeral service will be held at 11AM Tuesday. Interment, Benshoff Hill Cemetery, where military rite will be conducted by Chas. Menoher Post 155 VFW Ritual Team.

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