John A. Thomas

John A. Thomas, 68, of Ellicottville, NY died Friday, November 26, 2021 at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY following a long illness.

Born May 11, 1953 in Paterson, NJ, he was the son of the late Herbert A. Jr. and Loraine C. Manchester Thomas.

He was a graduate of San Francisco State University, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts.

John had been employed as a staff writer with The Villager, a newspaper in Ellicottville, NY, for over seven years and had been a freelance photographer.

He enjoyed photography, the outdoors, skiing, and his two cats, Niles and Frasier. He was also and avid reader who enjoyed history.

Surviving are: a sister, Cheryl Barrera, Ellicottville, NY; a brother, Herbert (Sari) Thomas III, Northeast Harbor, ME; several nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to Almost Home Sanctuary, 6251 Hart Road, Little Valley, NY 14755.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com.