Byron S. Thomas MD

Byron was born in Plainfield, NJ on November 19, 1948 to the late Leroy and Jean (Posey) Thomas. The oldest of three children, he was admired for his perseverance in his goal to become a physician. The great-grandson of a sharecropper, he was the first person in his family to graduate from college and then medical school. He attended Lincoln University where he received his BA (1971) and went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1975. While completing his medical residency in Cleveland, OH, he married and went on to start a family.

After leaving Cleveland, Byron served in the United States Navy as a lieutenant and physician. He was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in NC. Following his honorable discharge in 1982, he settled in the greater Danbury area where he became the first African-American internist to serve the local community. His tenure in Danbury lasted nearly forty years, during which time he earned numerous accolades and honors, including Chief of Geriatrics at Danbury Hospital. He was known as a strong advocate for his colleagues and employees.

In addition to Byron’s professional contributions, he volunteered his services as a physician for the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s annual jazz festival for many years. He also loved golfing, reading, fine cigars, jazz, cooking, and watching his children compete in athletics.

Byron leaves behind several loved ones, including his wife of three years, Gladys (Gutierrez) Thomas; his children, Brandon (Janice), Kimberly, Anthony, and Spencer (Lindsey); stepchildren, Elvis, Paul, Christopher (Alicia), Adrian, Joel, and Gabriele; seven grandchildren; siblings, William (Rhonda) Thomas and Linda (Mark) Young; as well as several close friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 2:00pm – 7:00pm at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury.

A service celebrating Byron’s life will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 11:00am at St. Joseph’s Church, 370 Main St., Danbury.

Please note that masks are required at all of the above gatherings.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Church, 8 Robinson Ave., Danbury, CT 06810

The following Danbury hotels are available for out of town guests in need of accommodations: Hampton Inn Danbury, the Hilton Garden Inn Danbury or Ethan Allen Hotel.