Dr. John M. Thomas

Dr. John M. Thomas, a long-time resident of Naples, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2019 at the age of 86.

A native of Wales, John received his doctorate in medicine from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.  While at Edinburgh, he met his future wife, Betty Ann Mayo of England. Upon his graduation in 1958, he accepted an internship in surgery with the Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, Pennsylvania.  Later that year, Betty joined John in Sayre, where they were married.

John went on to be named Chief of Surgery of the Clinic.  From 1972 to 1990, he was President of Guthrie, overseeing tremendous growth in its business and facilities.  He retired in 1991.

After his retirement, he and Betty traveled all over the world.  He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Country Club of Naples.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty; sons James (Mary Beth) of Eastborough, Kansas, and Hugh (Jennifer) of Pittsford, New York; daughter Pamela Burt (Richard) of West Hartford, Connecticut; and nine grandchildren.

Memorials may be given in Dr. Thomas’s name to the Donald Guthrie Foundation, 1 Guthrie Square, Sayre, Pennsylvania 18840.