John G. (Lahoud) Thomas, 72, of Methuen passed away peacefully at Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill surrounded by his loving family on Monday, December 26, 2016.

Born in Lawrence, John was raised and educated in both Lawrence and Methuen. He was recruited by Lawrence High School and played varsity football. He is also a graduate of the Andover Institute of Business. His career included working as a mechanic at Thomas’ Garage in Lawrence, as the purchasing manager for Interstate Uniform Company in Woburn, and he was also the owner of Abdulla’s Bakery in Lawrence. John was a horseracing enthusiast who for many years, owned and raced harness horses throughout the New England and New York areas. He was a lifetime active parishioner of St. Anthony's Maronite Church in Lawrence, a member of Methuen Knights of Columbus, Council 4027 where he served as chairman of the board, member of Sons of Italy, Methuen and a member of Mary Immaculate Nursing Home Guild. John also served for many years on the board of directors for Colonial Village Condo Association. Above all, he was very dedicated to his family, was a loving husband, a devoted father and a grandfather who cherished all of his grandchildren. He will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 50 years, Phyllis A. (Sardella) Thomas of Methuen; his mother, Ida (Abdallah) (Lahoud) Thomas of Lawrence; his son, John D. and his wife Patty Thomas of Salem, NH and his daughter, Christine P. and her husband, Bill Ryan of Methuen. He leaves his 5 grandchildren, his partners in crime, Madelyn Ryan, Joseph Thomas, Joshua Thomas, Ryan Bell and Jonathan Bell. He also leaves his brother, George Lahoud of Southbury, CT and his sisters, Deborah Sousa of Danbury, CT, Lorraine Maigis of Brewster, NY as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, George “Duffy” Lahoud, his step-father, Tophie “Teo” Thomas and his sister, Rose Lahoud.

Family and friends are invited to gather for calling hours on Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at The Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 10:30am at St. Anthony's Maronite Church, 145 Amesbury St.,Lawrence, MA. Burial will follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Methuen. Memorial contributions may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 North Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830. To send an online condolence, please go www.dewhirstfuneral.com.

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