John B. Thomas

John Bradford Thomas of Woodbine, Maryland, passed away at his home on September 3, 2024, with his loving daughter right by his side. 

John was born March 11, 1948, in Washington, D.C., to the late Marcia Kathleen Thomas. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Patti Raab. He is also preceded in death by his youngest brother, David Thomas of Columbia, MD. John is survived by his daughter, Sasha Raab, and his oldest brother, Michael Thomas (Darla), of Fredericksburg, VA, and his younger sister, Norine Thomas (Jim), of Columbia, MD, and 10 nieces and nephews.  

John and his siblings grew up in Fulton, MD. He graduated from High Point High School in ‘66. John enlisted in the US Navy in December ‘67 and served on the USS Boston (CA-69) during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he met his future wife, Patti, and instantly fell in love. They shared a lifetime of love and happiness together. They raised their daughter in Hyattsville, MD, until '91, when they built a house and moved to Howard County. 

John worked for the US Postal Service, starting as a letter carrier, and retiring as a manager when he was 55 years old. John spent several years during his career going to school at night to earn his bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from the University of Maryland. After retirement, John and Patti wintered in Florida for several years where they formed lasting friendships. 

John loved meeting and talking to people about philosophy, current events, and connecting with people of all different walks of life. John had an inner strength and confidence that could be seen by all. 

John loved sports. He was an avid chess and ping pong player. He loved the game of golf and played whenever he could. John was also an enthusiastic Washington Redskins fan.  

Another passion of John’s was traveling, specifically to Paris, France. John was self-taught and after 15 years was fluent in French, according to a dear family friend.  John also had a love of nature; whether it was watching the deer or the birds or planting a tree, he found solace in nature. 

Being together and sharing life with his beloved wife and daughter was what John valued most. He loved his family, friends, and living life to the fullest. John has been reunited with his wife, and all that knew him can take comfort in that.  

A celebration honoring John’s life will take place from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 16371 Paulownia Hill Court, Mt. Airy, MD 21771. Family and friends may join us in celebrating John. 

He will be forever missed.