Gerald K. Thomas

The Buffalo native was a decades-long Sgt. Major in the Army Reserve as well as life-long Professor of Electrical Engineering for the military, industry, and Corning Community College. He was a Bachelor of Science graduate [Electronic Engineering] of Indiana Institute of Technology, Fort Wayne, IN and a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology with a Master of Science degree in Electronic Technology.

After his enlistment in the Air Force (1950s) as an aircraft instrument tech, he worked as an electronics technician for Bell Aero systems - building and testing electronic circuits for the Bell Xl. After getting his Engineering degree, he worked as a test equipment design Engineer for IBM in Owego, NY where he tested computer power supplies for Gemini and Mercury capsules for NASA during the 1960s.

He taught electronics at Corning Community College from 1971 to 1987 where he retired professor emeritus and began teaching technical seminars across the US, Alaska, and Canada. He conducted seminars for the Instrument Society of America (ISA) and National Technology Transfer (NTT) until his death. He said, "teaching was the most fun he ever had standing up." He also, stated he was fortunate to have lived in the greatest time in the history of this country (the 20th Century).

Starting in the mid-1970s, Thomas became a member of the US Army Reserves where he rose to the rank of sergeant major in the 98th Training Division from which he retired with 24 years of military service. He was a member of the American Legion Braunscheidle Post as well as The Retired Enlisted Association chapter 126.

Mr. Thomas enjoyed ocean cruises, world travel, live theater and attending concerts at the BPO with his wife, Theresa M. Thomas (“Terry”) who died in 2021 at the age of 87. They were both active members of the local Mercedes Club. Gerald was living at the Asbury Pointe Retirement Community in Getzville, NY at the time of his death. Jerry loved food and a bargain – he enjoyed eating at Salvatore's and Burger King.

Survivors include two sons, Jerry of Bath, NY and Pat of Los Angeles, CA.; one daughter Renee Crowson of Raleigh, NC.; three beautiful granddaughters; Kristin, Karen, and Sage Anne – and three great-grandchildren in North Carolina.

A visitation for Gerald will be held Tuesday, February 6, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a service at 7:00 PM at the Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home, 1671 Maple Rd, Williamsville, New York 14221. A Committal service will occur Wednesday February 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1411 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209. Gerald will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Theresa.