Richard "BJ" E. Thomas, age 77, of Meshoppen (formerly of Midland Park, NJ) passed away on Thursday morning, February 4, 2016 at the VNA Hospice Unit of Geisinger CMC Hospital in Scranton, PA with his loving family by his side.

BJ was born on September 16, 1938 in Sayre, PA the son of the late Carol Jagger Grabowski and William Thomas. He grew up in the Meshoppen area before he moved to New Jersey. He served his country in the US Navy.

BJ was employed as a Pressman for the New York Daily News for 17 years before he retired. After he retired he and his wife, Kathleen R. Priestner Thomas, moved from Midland Park, NJ back to Meshoppen in 2005.

He was a member of the Secaucus Hudson #72 Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed photography, reloading ammunition, hunting, fishing, and especially camping.

BJ is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen R. Thomas, who he married in on December 8, 1973; his sons Gustav F. Hiller, Jr. and his wife Marie of Haskell, NJ, Wiley Thomas, and Alan Thomas; his sister Carol Ann Ackley; his cousins Marge and Chuck Hoffman of Wyalusing, PA, and Rick and Lisa Brown of Wysox, PA; as well as many nieces, nephews, and brother/sister-in-laws.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 4:00 PM from the Meshoppen United Methodist Church with Reverend Scott Ryan of the church officiating. Family and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 2:00 PM until the time of the service. Interment will take place at a later date at the Jersey Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in BJ's name to the Meshoppen United Methodist Church, c/o Bruce Priestner, 164 Auburn St., Apt. 1, Meshoppen, PA 18630.

Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com.