Oscar St. Thomas

Oscar "Buck" St. Thomas, of Worcester passed away peacefully, Wednesday, August 15, 2012 with his cherished family gathered beside him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years: Grace (Henegan) St. Thomas; his eight children: Stephen and his wife Susan of Wellesley, Thomas and his wife Susan of Bridgewater, James and his wife Judy of Cumberland, RI, John and his wife Jill of Ivyland, PA, Mary and her husband David MacAdam of Millbury, Joan and her husband Edward Petry of Worcester, Grace and her husband Mark Cheffers of Naples, FL, and Anne and her husband Jon Slate of Woodstock, CT. He is also survived by his loving 37 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He also leaves his sisters, Grace Plante of England, Lillian DiRico of Marlboro, Loretta Hurley of Oroville, WA, a brother, Robert of Tequesta, FL., and many treasured nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Thomas "Buddy", his daughter-in-law Terri, and his grandson Allen Cheffers. He was born in Worcester to Oscar and Loretta (Cosgrove) St. Thomas. A lifelong Worcester resident, Oscar grew up on Park Ave and attended South High School. Upon graduation he joined the Army Air Corps and served until the end of World War II. Returning to Worcester, Oscar and Grace were married in June of 1949. He joined the Worcester Fire Department and they began to raise their family. A few years later, taking advantage of the GI bill, Oscar enrolled full time at WPI, working night shifts on Hose 9 at the Woodland St. station. He graduated in 1957 and went to work at Wyman-Gordon where he spent his entire thirty year career - many years as director of quality control. A devout Catholic, Oscar gave his time, his talent, and his treasure to Our Lady of the Angels parish. He served as a lector, choir member and fundraiser through the years. He was proud to have served as Chairman of the Central Mass Chapter of Citizens for Life. Oscar loved a family gathering, and was always in the middle of the most raucous group- laughing and joking and singing. His 37 grandchildren were a treasure to him. "Pop" attended countless games, plays and graduations. Oscar treasured all of his friends through the years including his fellow Greendale Men's Chorus members and many new and dear friends at the Willows in Worcester. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours, Friday August 17th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be celebrated Saturday, August 18th from the funeral home with a Mass at 12:30 pm in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main St. Committal services with Military honors will follow in St Joseph Cemetery, Leicester. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances can be made to Our Lady of The Angels Church Building Fund, 1222 Main St. 01603. The St. Thomas family would like to thank the staff of the Beaumont at University Commons Rehabilitation Facility for their exceptional care and compassion for Oscar in his last days.