
Theodore Holden Thomas Jr.
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It is with profound sadness that the family of Theodore Holden Thomas Jr. announce his peaceful passing on November 20, 2024, at 96 years old. Theodore was the beloved husband of the late Norma (Fowler) Thomas with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. Ted, or Teddy as he was fondly called, was born on August 1, 1928, to the late Theodore Holden Thomas Sr and Clarice (White) Thomas, in Newtonville, Massachusetts. At age 3 the family moved back to North Bennington and then to Bennington Vt where Ted was raised and lived almost the entirety of his life. Ted's paternal great grandfather, John S. Holden, was the co-founder of the Holden-Leonard Company whose textile factory was known as the "Big Mill" on Mill Street, now Benmont Ave., in Bennington. His maternal great grandfather, Hawley C. White, was the founder of the H.C. White Company on Water Street in North Bennington. The H.C. White Company made the "Stereopticon" and the popular kids riding toy, the KiddieKar. Ted attended local Bennington schools, graduating from Bennington High School in 1946. After high school Ted enlisted in the army where he served his country from 1946-1948. He then went on to the University of Vermont where he met the love of his life Norma Fowler. He graduated in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Ted had a long and prosperous career in insurance at Lonergan & Thomas, which he co-founded in 1959 when he merged the Ted Thomas Agency (his father's agency) with the Hollister & Lonergan Agency. Ted lived a long, healthy, full life and was an active and beloved member of his community. Ted served as Director of First Vt Bank and Director of BankNorth Group (1971-1994); Trustee of Putnam Memorial Health Corp (1984-1998); Board of Directors of Kurn Hattin Homes for Children (1987-1995) and the Board of Directors of Independent Insurance Agents of Vermont serving as President from 1981-1982.Additionally, Ted was a dedicated member of the Bennington Lions Club, where he served multiple terms as President and as District Governor of VT Lions District 45 (1972-1973). He was also a member of Mount Anthony Lodge #13 F&AM, former Director of the Bennington Free Library and of the Bennington Red Cross and served multiple terms on the Board of Deacons of the Second Congregational Church. Ted loved life. He enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, family, and friends. He loved the outdoors as well as outdoor activities, and he was an avid sports fan highlighting the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. In addition to his parents, Ted was pre-deceased by his wife Norma (Fowler) Thomas, daughter Debra Callner, grandson Samuel Callner, son in law Matthew Nelson and sister Florence (Midge) Greene. Ted is survived by his four children, Kathryn (Thomas) Lowe and her husband William G. Lowe of Bridgehampton NY; Patricia (Thomas) Weinstein and husband Joseph F Weinstein of Mashpee MA; Gary Holden Thomas and his wife Amy Barber-Thomas of Bennington VT; Laurie (Thomas) Nelson and fianc? Paul Cwieka of Waltham ME. Additionally, Ted is survived by his twelve grandchildren, Geoffrey Thomas and wife Mary; Kate (Lowe) Berkoski and husband Craig; Garrett Lowe and fianc? Paola; Brittany (Wakefield) Nash and husband Greg; Joshua Weinstein and wife Jessenia; Sara (Weinstein) Peterson and husband Chase; Griffin Thomas; Holden Thomas and wife Kaitlin; Spencer Thomas and wife Jennifer; Quincy Thomas; Regan Nelson and Elise Nelson. Ted is also survived by nine great grandchildren, several step grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to acknowledge At Home Senior Care for the loving, tender, professional care Ted and Norma received over the years. And deep, heartfelt recognition to Caitlin Mack, of AHSC, whom Ted & Norma loved dearly as does the family. Ted's presence within his loving family and community was far reaching. He will be deeply missed by all. Services will be held at the Second Congregational Church in Bennington on January 18, 2025, at 11:00 am. There will be no calling hours. Additionally, an informal service will be held at 11:00 AM May 24, 2025, at the Holden family mausoleum, Bennington Park Lawn Cemetery. Donations in Ted's memory can be made to the Second Congregational Church through the Shea Family Funeral Homes PO Box 957 Bennington VT 05201

