RMCM SW Thomas B. Thomas, USN Retired, passed Sunday, August 20, 2023, after a long battle with MDS. Master Chief is survived by his wife and best friend of 54 years, Rebecca Thomas; daughters, Cynthia Rigoli and husband John, Anna Cleveland and husband Dean; grandchildren, John Thomas Rigoli, Jacob Ryan Rigoli and Cheyenne Nobles and her husband Austin; great-grandchild, Leia Nobles, and his brother, James Harris Thomas of Munhall, PA.
In addition to his 22-year military career, he spent 18 years working for the Navy as a civilian and dedicated many years of volunteer service to the City of Virginia Beach with VBCERT, EMS Search and Rescue and Project Lifesaver.
Services will be held at Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel, 5033 Rouse Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23462. The visitation will be held on Thursday, August 24th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. The funeral service will begin on Friday, August 25th at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to South Plaza Rescue.
Tom was a true leader and everyone was treated like family! His office door was always open and he was always available to discuss issues and come up with a plan to fix any issues! Tom embraced technology and helped to keep NCTS Hampton Roads going!
Uncle Tom, you will be dearly missed.
Tom you were the best. Helped me during trying times. I’m so sad to hear this. Sending hugs and prayers to your family. RIP shipmate🩷
My Condolences God bless the family and friends. RIP
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of RMCM SW Thomas B. Thomas, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Navy Veteran, RMCM SW Thomas B. Thomas, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Masterchief Thomas was a Sailor’s Sailor. He held high standards, but did so with the leadership style that made you want to live up to them without resentment.
Masterchief attended my Change of Command and my Navy retirement, each time ensuring I had a plan afterwards. I loved seeing the pride in his eyes at those events and whenever we met.
Tom was also a dear friend, not just my Chief. A man who loved his family and his dear Becky. He spoke of them lovingly and often. They were his world, I know they will feel his absence, but the memories will more than fill the void.
I will miss my dear friend, but I’ll celebrate his life.
Rest well Masterchief, thank you for guiding me along my career and life choices.