Gerald 'Jerry' Joseph Thomas

It is with sadness, but a sense of peace, that we announce the passing of Gerald “Jerry” Joseph Thomas on January 5, 2026, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, after a prolonged stay. Family was present when he passed to say their goodbyes. Jerry was born in Saint John on November 26, 1955, to the late Roland and Connie (McCormick) Thomas, and was the loving husband of 45 years to his wife, Diane (Maloney) Thomas.

Jerry worked as an Insurance Adjustor for many years and was a well-respected coworker. Jerry thought he was the funniest man in the room, repeating his witty (to him) quips repeatedly to whomever was around to listen to him.

Jerry loved driving; he loved road trips to Ottawa or to Moncton, and places in between and beyond. He was always the driver. Jerry chauffeured everyone—family and friends—whenever they needed a ride. He would get upset with you if you called a cab, because he was available to drive you if you needed it.

Jerry was, by far, a family man. He would drop everything to help anyone in his family, and he had meaningful connections with everyone who knew him.

Jerry was an avid sports fan, and he grew up playing hockey, baseball, and football. He was a Minor League hockey coach to his youngest son, as well as other family members. He wasn’t just a coach; he took an active role in many of his players’ lives, filling a paternal role that some of them did not have. He was affectionately known as Jer-dawg by his players.

He was a die-hard Maple Leafs fan. He always dreamed he’d see the Leafs win the Cup… If he has any say, they are going to win this year in honor of him. He also cheered for the Orioles, Giants, and Colts.

Food was his greatest pleasure and biggest vice. Every trip or occasion, his first question was always, “What are we eating?” Everyone in the family knew to get out of his way when he was heading for the food line. Ribfest was the highlight of Father’s Day; he looked forward to it all year.

Above all, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and no one could top his family to him. He loved them all and was loved so much in return. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to his wife, Diane, he is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Anne (Jeremy); his two sons, Mike and Jamie; his four grandchildren, Shayla, Gage, Caleb, and Tyler; his chosen daughter, Dee Nash; his twin brother, Jamie Thomas; his sister, Beth (Bill); as well as many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his cousins, Stephen Bursey, Darlene Smith, and Susan Ryan.

When Jerry’s cousin Stephen passed, he made every effort to remain involved in the lives of Stephen’s widow, Judy, and their children—Joe, Charlotte, and Will—helping whenever and however he could, including coaching them in hockey. Judy was a great comfort to Jerry during his hospital stay, visiting often and providing support to him and his family throughout his medical journey.

The family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to the many units at the Saint John Regional Hospital who assisted in Jerry’s care, especially the staff on 5CN, where he spent the majority of his time.

Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (506-646-2424). In keeping with Jerry’s wishes, cremation will take place and a graveside ceremony will be held at Ocean View Memorial Gardens in the spring. For those who wish, memorial donations in Jerry’s memory to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, or the charity of the donor’s choice, would be appreciated by his family.