Lance Dean Thomas

Lance was born in Needham, MA, to Louise (Reynolds) and the late Richard C. Thomas. He was a 13th generation Mayflower descendant. He lived in West Bridgewater until age 11 and then moved to Cape Cod where his father managed Sun Dial Village on Sea Street in Hyannis and later managed the Red Maples Guest House in Centerville. Lance graduated from Barnstable High School (Class of 1975) and received a BS in Accounting from Bentley University. Lance was a man who always believed in the value of hard work. He started working at a young age at Angelo’s Supermarket and later went on to have a successful career at State Street Global Advisors where he was a Vice President and Divisional Controller for many years. Wanting to have his own business and be closer to family, Lance bought an Arnold Bread route and later a Pepperidge Farm route where he delivered to many businesses around Cape Cod. In his retirement, Lance prepared taxes at H&R Block in Sandwich.

Lance was known by many names – Hawk, Lanceman, and the King of Fun. He loved muscle cars and driving in the fast lane. His impressive collection of cars started with his first car, a blue 1973 Mach 1 Mustang all the way up to his current red 2022 Corvette. One of Lance’s favorite past times was going to “the drags” in Epping, NH where he was a member of the NHRA. Always ready for a good time, you could find Lance in his signature Tommy Bahama party shirt, with his favorite fedora, and a Coors Light in hand. His favorite hangout was Baxter’s Boathouse where he held court with many lifelong friends. He was a proud member of the “Beach Bums” crew that started as a bunch of high school buddies and later became a softball team who still meet up regularly today. Lance loved to talk sports, history, and reminisce about his glory days.

Above all, Lance was an exceptional and devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all. He is survived by his mother Louise of St. Petersburg, FL; his wife of nearly twenty years, Paulette Rio of Centerville; his three daughters Kelsey Thomas and her husband Alexander Garfinkle of Wellesley, Sarah Thomas of Taunton, and Jillian Thomas of Centerville; his brothers Jeff Thomas of Hyannis, and David Thomas and his wife Robynne Thomas of Sandwich; as well as his sister Heidi Muir and her partner Brett Casazza of Seminole, FL. Lance is also survived by his granddaughter Mila McAllister of Centerville who misses her Papi very much.

Lance is predeceased by his father Richard C. Thomas and brothers Glen Thomas and Roby Scott Thomas.

Visiting hours are from 4pm-7pm on Friday, February 10 at Doane Beal & Ames, 160 West Main Street in Hyannis. A funeral service will be held at 10am on Saturday, February 11 at Doane Beale & Ames followed by interment at the Lothrop Hill Cemetery on Main Street (Route 6A) in Barnstable.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in tribute to Lance D. Thomas through the Tufts Medical Center web page. Go to www.tuftsmedicalcenter.org, click on Giving + Support at the top of the page.