Arthur J. Thomas, 1957-2019

He was born Dec. 18, 1957, in New Castle, Pa., the son of Arthur and Gemma Rauso Thomas.

Arthur was a 1975 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Following high school, he worked as a steelworker in Youngstown. He then worked as a security guard at Sparkle Markets before establishing his own insurance agency, A.J. Thomas Insurance Agency, where he served clients in Northeast Ohio and Western Pa. as the primary agent for more than 30 years until the time of his illness.

He was a member of St. Charles Church, its school Athletic Club and the Board 60 Men’s Club, where he had served as president. Art was a coach for the Boardman Baseball Association for many years. He participated in the Steel Valley Slow Pitch Softball League, the Republic Steel Bowling League and the Mahoning County Engineering Golf League at Mill Creek.

Art was an avid Steelers, Pirates and Ohio State fan. He enjoyed golfing and fishing. He began hunting at 13 years old and continued to hunt until his illness.

He is survived by his wife, Susan DeCapua Thomas, whom he married June 12, 1987; a daughter, Jessica Thomas of Columbus; a son, Arthur “A.J.” Thomas of Youngstown; his uncle, Jimmy (Judy) Rauso of Pa.; two aunts, Regina (Carl) Chiafullo and Madelyn Gurneal, both of Pa.; three sisters-in-law, Mary T. (John) Centofanti, Patti (Larry) Binkowski and Barbara DeCapua; one brother-in-law, James DeCapua; several nieces and nephews; one great-niece; and three great-nephews.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Mary Ann Thomas and Cynthia Thomas.

Prayers will be held 10:15 a.m. Monday at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Charles Church.

Calling hours will be 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Arthur’s name to the MPN Research Foundation, 180 North Michigan Ave., Suite 1870, Chicago, IL 60601 or online at www.mpnresearchfoundation.org/Donate-to-MPN-Research.

Condolences may be sent at www.higgins-reardon.com.

(special notice)