Alfred "Al" Joseph Thomas, of Emerson, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at the age of 85. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Johanna (Witte) Thomas, and his beloved wife of 48 years, Bette (Horstmann). Al is survived by his three loving daughters, Erika, Kristine (and her husband, John), and Victoria, as well as his cherished grandson, John. He is also survived by his brother and sister in law, John and Carol Horstmann, and his nieces, Karen and Laura.
Al was born in New York City and raised in the Bronx prior to moving to Emerson in 1974. Al was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958 and served overseas in Panama. He was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army Reserves in 1964. He was a proud member of American Legion Post 269. Al was also an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Westwood.
The family will receive their relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood on Monday, January 3, 2022 from 4:00 to 8:00. A mass celebrating Al's life and faith will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Westwood on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 10:00. The interment will follow at George Washington Cemetery in Paramus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Tunnel To Towers Foundation. www.t2t.org
or
Wounded Warrior Project. www.woundedwarriorproject.org