David C. 'Opey' Thomas

David C. “Opey” Thomas, 63, of Meadville passed away in the warmth and comfort of his home surrounded by his family and friends on Saturday, March 26, 2022.

He was born October 14, 1958 in Meadville, a son of Judge P. Richard and Josephine Ingraham Thomas.  He married his wife Susan Masson August 7, 1982 and they had a 39 year long adventure together.

Opey was a 1976 graduate of Meadville High School and a 1980 graduate of Mount Union College with a B.S. in Social Work.  He worked for 25 years in the insurance industry,

Opey was very active in the community for many years, serving on the boards of the Meadville Chapter of the American Red Cross, Meadville Area Recreation Complex, Meadville Bulldog Hockey and Vallonia Industries.  One of his most fun accomplishments was serving as the Grand Leprechaun for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade after raising funds for the former Visiting Nurses’ Association.

Opey had a zest for life like no other.  He was an avid golfer, a lover of music and enjoyed lazy days spent on the lake.  He was famous for “double socking” for good luck and giving his kids’ friends and teammates nicknames that, unfortunately for some, stuck for life.

His proudest accomplishment was his children and their loving and supportive spouses, Sarah Brickner (Chad) of Meadville and Rick Thomas (Ashley Raun-Thomas) of Columbus, OH.  He loved spending time with his granddaughters, Teegan and Kiera Brickner.

In addition to his wife Sue, children and granddaughters, he is also survived by his step-mother, Rosemary Thomas of Meadville; two sisters, Sally Pedon of Columbus, OH and Carrie Thomas Farrington (David) of Shohola, PA; a nephew, Ryan Pedon (Steph) and their son, Maddox; two nieces, Amy Kremer (Reggie) and their children, Ryder and Findley and Kate Farrington (Joel);  in-laws and cousins too numerous to mention; and fur-babies, Miley, Rylee and Cowboy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Jo Thomas; his aunt, Ella Thomas and uncle, Dick Thomas; his in-laws, Paul and Mary Masson; his brother-in-law, Felix Pedon; and his sister-in-law, Mary Jo Masson Weschler.

The Thomas family would like to extend special thanks to the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, Dr. Pierre Lavertu and nurse Cheryl of University Hospitals Cleveland, Dr. Ronald Unice, Dr. Peter White, and Kindred Hospice for the love and care provided to Opey.

A Celebration of Opey’s life will be held Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at The Harper Event Venue, 13635 Dickson Road, Meadville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Meadville Area Recreation Foundation, 800 Thurston Road, Meadville, PA 16335.

The arrangements have been entrusted to the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT STEET, MEADVILLE where memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net