Robert "Bob" Henry Thomas, PHD

Robert “Bob” Henry Thomas, PhD of Bonita Springs, FL and Lexington, MA, beloved husband of Anne Boncoddo Thomas, passed away on August 9, 2022 after courageously battling Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia for many years. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Bob was the son of the late Dr. Henry W. Thomas and Gertrude (Kenna) Thomas. Bob attended Baldwin High School lettering in wrestling and cross-country and graduated at the top of his class in 1961. Having excelled in high school, he was readily accepted into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology while continuing his wrestling and cross-country competition as well as being a member of the M.I.T. Lacrosse team. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. An outstanding student, Bob earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate Degrees in Electrical Engineering which led to a career in Software Development. Working at a research and development company Bolt, Beranek, and Newman (BBN) in Cambridge, Bob had many accomplishments one of which was writing an experimental computer program called “Creeper” - the first benign computer worm/virus. Years later, Bob along with many colleagues who worked on the Arpanet were pioneers of the development of the Internet. After furthering his career at Cisco Systems and developing many patents, Bob retired in 2008. Those many years of hard work allowed Bob to spend his retirement years golfing with Anne and his golfing friends at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, MA and ShadowWood Country Club in Bonita Springs, FL. In addition to his love of golf, Bob was very passionate about his many other interests which included running, skiing, hiking, scuba diving, and photography. He was most proud of running in several marathons including The Boston Marathon as well as getting a hole-in-one at ShadowWood. In addition to Anne, his devoted wife of 42 years, Bob will be remembered by his loving Aunt, Dorothy Thomas Sexauer; his sister, Cathy Thomas Baker; his brother, Jim and his wife, Valorie; brothers-in-law, Frank Boncoddo and his wife, Christine; and Gerard Boncoddo. Bob was very proud of all three of his nephews: Bradley Thomas, his wife Amanda, and their daughter, Kenna; Sean Baker, his wife Molly, and their twins: daughter Thea and son, Ethan; and Michael Boncoddo and his wife, Kym Bender. Bob is also survived by many loving relatives and friends who enriched his life and surrounded him with love and support. Relatives & friends are invited to attend a Greeting and Gathering on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 1:00 pm. at St. Brigid Church, Lexington, MA followed by a Funeral Mass at 2:00 pm. Internment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 or ShadowWood Charitable Foundation, 24600 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 21 PMB 162, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.

Robert "Bob" Henry Thomas, PHD

October 2, 1943 - August 9, 2022