Joel A. Thomas

Fort Plain - Joel A. Thomas, 51, of Fort Plain, passed away peacefully on Sunday May 13, 2018 at Bassett Medical Center, in Cooperstown, NY. He fought a courageous battle against an extremely rare cancer (Angiosarcoma), and was with his loving family by his side.

He was born on July 17, 1966 in Amsterdam, NY. He is the son of Lorraine (McGowan) Thomas and the late Gordon F. Thomas. Joel was a graduate of Fort Plain High School, class of 1984, and furthered his education at Alfred State University, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Mr. Thomas was employed at Fage Yogurt in Johnstown, NY. Prior to this employment, Joel worked at several engineering firms, where he specialized in computer aided drafting (CAD). Among the companies Joel performed CAD services for included General Motors, in Detroit, and General Electric, in Schenectady. Additionally, Joel worked previously for the State of New York, in Albany.

Joel was of Protestant faith and was a former member of the Sons of the American Legion in Fort Plain and a former member of the Men's Auxiliary of the Fort Plain VFW.

A man devoted to his family, Joel's happiest times were when he was surrounded by his family and friends. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed golfing and was a longtime New York Yankees and New York Jets fan.

Survivors include his mother, Lorraine Thomas of Fort Plain; a sister, Amy Boyle and her husband Charles of Little Falls; two brothers, Christopher Thomas of Fort Plain and Eric Thomas and his wife Margo of Prescott Valley, Arizona; a niece, Brittany and three nephews, Jesse, Joshua and Jayme.

The family will be receiving relatives and friends at Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to the Masonic Lodge), 20 Bridge Street, St. Johnsville, NY, 518-568-7040, from 10-11 am on Saturday May 19, 2018. A memorial service will follow, at 11 am. Burial will occur at the Fort Plain Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions to be given to the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.