Edwin A. Thomas

TROY – Edwin A. Thomas Jr., of Troy, passed away suddenly on the morning of March 10, 2010 at Albany Medical Center.
Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Edwin Thomas Sr. and Reverend Priscilla Newby Thomas. He was a descendant of Dangerfield Newby, who fought with abolitionist John Brown at Harper's Ferry in 1859. A graduate of Hampton Institute in Virginia, Edwin received his Master's degree in social work from Atlanta University in Georgia. His professional career included counseling and coordinating youth programs in New York before joining SUNY as an academic advisor and counselor in the Educational Opportunities Program. He helped guide students throughout their college years and was very proud of their successes. Since his retirement from SUNY, Edwin continued to work part time in different educational programs for adult students.
Edwin was an advocate for holistic health and alternative healing. He completed his studies at the Bancroft School of Massage in Worcester, MA., and became a licensed massage therapist. Edwin taught massage classes with the Knowledge Network and other locations as well as having his own private practice. He believed that the correct massage therapy could reduce stress and could help in preventing disease. When he was younger, Ed was active in all fields or martial arts and enjoyed bicycling in later years. He was a member of many associations including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
He is the loving father of Nicole Newby Thomas and also leaves behind his cherished cousins, Mrs. Doris Newby Campbell of Maryland, Mr. Lorenzo Newby of Indiana, Mrs. Sadie Newby Ethridge of Indiana, Mrs. Doris Newby Arnstrong of Wisconsin, Mrs. Gwendolyn Newby Hemphill of Indiana, and Mr. Lorenzo (Micky) Newby of New York. He is also survived by many dear one's, including his former wife, Brenda H. Thomas and special friends.
Funeral services will begin at 1:00 on Tuesday afternoon at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie. A calling hour will precede the service from 12 noon to 1:00 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memorys Garden. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Neurosciences ICU at Albany Medical Center, American Diabetes Association or the charity of one's choice in memory of Edwin A. Thomas.