SACKETS HARBOR, N.Y. — John N. Thomas, 90, a resident of Samaritan Summit Village since March of 2014, passed away in the evening of September 13th at the Samaritan Medical Center. He had been ill for a short period of time.

Until recently, John enjoyed lawn and garden work at his historic home known as the Guthrie House, located just outside of Sackets Harbor. John carried on a family tradition of gardening and keeping the home in historic condition. This home has been in the family for more than 150 years. The home was once owned by Dr. Samuel Guthrie, credited by some as the first to use chloroform as an anesthesia during an operation. Dr. Guthrie also is credited for creating the percussion cap.

John was born October 23, 1923 in Watertown, the son of Vivian V. Thomas Sr. and Frances Parker Thomas. He graduated from Hounsfield Central School (now Sackets Harbor High School). He continued his education at Clarkson University, where he graduated with a B.S.degree in in Electrical Engineering.


He entered the service on 22 March 1943. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and the Korean War. He saw action overseas during the Rome Arno (Italy), Northern Apennines, PO Valley, Southern France, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and the Air Combat (Balkans) campaigns,and the European African Middle Eastern Theater. He often talked about when he was stationed in Libya. He very much enjoyed that assignment as well as the climate. He left active duty on 30 November 1965 as a Technical Sergeant (E-6) and was in the Air Force reserve until 27 July 1975. He had many commendations to include the Korean Service Medal with Bronze star.

After his discharge from the service, John worked as an electrical engineer or in Quality Control at various companies to include General Electric in Rome, NY; and locally at Gould Electric Motor Division (BoMax), and Stature Electric.

He married Joan Barry on February 16, 1974.They lived all of their married life in the Guthrie House. They went to Florida for the winter the last few years of Joan's life. Joan passed away August 10, 2010. A brother, Vivian V. Thomas Jr. (Tuck), and a sister, Joan Westphal, died before him.

He is survived by: two nieces and their families, Virginia (Ginny) Thomas of Rochester and Sarah (Chris) McGuire of Cooperstown; two nephews and their families, Dr. Thomas (Michelle) Westphal of Lititz, PA; and Christopher (Barbara) Westphalof Hilburn, NY. Since his wife's death, John has been cared for by his stepchildren; Barbara (Dan) Ryan, Christina (Larry) Reinhardt, Maureen (Thomas) Van Wormer, and Michael (Diana) Ryan.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 18, at 11:00am at St. Andrews Catholic Church with the Rev. J. Michael Gaffney officiating. Burial will be immediately following in the family plot at the Lakeside Cemetery, Sackets Harbor. There are no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are with the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, Carthage.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.