Obituary of Robert Thomas

ROBERT E. THOMAS, 59, of TINTON FALLS, died Monday, July 21, at Raritan Bay Hospital, Perth Amboy. Mr. Thomas was born in Manhattan, was raised in Keyport and had lived in Old Bridge before moving to Tinton Falls eight years ago. He was a member of the Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club and has been active in racing since 1963. He was active at Wall Stadium supporting his son, Carl, and many other stock car racers. In the 1970's, he was a crewmember of the Jim Hoffman Racing Team. He was a mechanic/body man for IROC, Tinton Falls, for the past 23 years and was involved with many national racing drivers. Prior to that, he owned and operated Thomas Auto Body, Keyport. He would always help anyone. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry B. and Erma E. Thomas. Surviving are a son, Carl E. Thomas of Manalapan; a daughter, Kathy Maravgakis of Belmar; his former wife, Linda Shea of Highlands; and a grandson, George. Visiting hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township. Friends and relatives are invited to attend his funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to MacTheny School and Hospital, P.O. Box 339, Peapack, NJ 07977. For directions, information or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.