William H. “Bill” Thomas
May 21, 1937 - June 29, 2026
William H. “Bill” Thomas, age 89, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, June 29, 2026.
Born in Wilmington, DE on May 21, 1937, he was a son of the late William H. and Alice (Stanley) Thomas. Bill made his career as the deputy chief of the New Castle County Paramedics.
Bill could often be found outdoors, enjoying nature. He spent his free time hunting, fishing, and working in his garden. Bill spent hockey season cheering on the Philadelphia Flyers, and loved watching horse races during the spring. He took great pleasure in exploring new places and always had his next trip planned. Most of all, Bill treasured the time he spent with his family.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Jannette Thomas; daughter-in-law, Donna Thomas; sons, Howard J. and John Thomas; and brothers, Howard Thomas, George Thomas, and Allen Thomas. He is survived by his son, William A. Thomas of Rising Sun, MD; stepson, John Bilson of Dewey Beach; sister, Linda Magaw of Wilmington; grandchildren, Shane, Tommy, John (Misty), and Brandon; great-grandchildren, John, Justin, Parker, and Alexis; and his caretaker, Franny K. Ingram.
A graveside service will begin at 11 am on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
Robin shetzler
Lt Thomas was a great guy, great guy to work with always funny, He will be sadly missed. Rip Lt.
Billy Thomas
My dad was a very nice person he was very sociable person, he loved his family. He was very good to me. His son, Billy, I will miss him all my life.
Frannykay
Poppy will be missed deeply. He
Could be a handful at times but other times he was so fun. We had good times we played games went to the grocery store. He loved every minute being with me. Love you and miss you, Poppy.Love Franny
Dave Stant
Rest in peace my friend
Larry Tan
Bill was a part of the New Castle County Ambulance Service (which later became the New Castle County Paramedics) prior to the start of “paramedic” services. He was promoted to Lieutenant, where he supervised the supplemental ambulances that provided back-up EMS to the fire service and served as the Operations Officer for the service. He was later promoted to Deputy Chief and retired as the first commander of the Administrative Branch of the Emergency Medical Services Division following its restructuring after the Paramedic Services Act of 1990.
Rest in Peace, Deputy Chief Thomas.
Frank Piectrazak
Rest in peace 🙏
Mark Allston
What a good man & a gentleman. Grateful to have known him and worked for him. Rest in Peace
Edwin Barlow
Bill
Was a good friend and trusted colleague, rest in peace
Mike Cavazzini
R.I. P. Sir.
Dan Seador
Bill hired me in 1983 and told me what to expect with my first partner, Paul Spitzer. He was a supportive, easy going supervisor who had a sense of humor. At a time when the Division was expanding, Bill helped many of us early in our careers with NCCEMS by the guidance he provided and allowing us to be successful. Great guy who retired too early.
A quiet leader, he will be missed.
Bill Streets
Great man and even greater leader of the Emergency Medical Division for many years. Bill will be missed by all that knew him.
Anthony J Riccio
I worked with Bill , I always remember him as Lt. Thomas. He could be tuff but fair.
William Esterling
Rest in peace Bill.
Eric Cannon
In my 25 years with NCC EMS, Bill was always the officer that the troops could go to for an unbiased answer to B a question, or just an empathetic ear. Truly a good man to work with and for.
John Lodge
May you find peace in Our Lord’s House. No more NCC budgets that we have to prepare (LOL)! You were the best!