Frank J. Thomas
June 11, 1929 - January 16, 2023
Visitation: Thursday 6-8 p.m. & Friday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.; Devlin Funeral Home, Inc., Ross Twp.
Service: Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, St. Sebastian Church, Saturday 9:30 a.m.
THOMAS FRANK J.
On January 16, 2023, Frank Joseph Thomas, former professional baseball player, husband of the late Dolores “Dodo”, and the father of eight, passed away at the age of 93. Frank accomplished many accolades and achievements during his 16-season major league career including being the first Pittsburgh Pirate on the cover of the July 28, 1958, issue of Sports Illustrated, an original New York Met, and part of the historic and first ever MLB team to hit four consecutive home runs in succession in one inning on June 8, 1961, with his Milwaukee Braves teammates Eddie Mathews, Hank Aaron, and Joe Adcock (Frank was #4).
He concluded his baseball career playing for seven teams: Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Braves, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Houston Astros. Although trades took him around the country, Frank kept his family’s homebase in Pittsburgh, and Dodo and their children would join him in his home team city in the summers during his career. Frank was a 3x All-Star with a.266 batting average, 286 home runs, and 962 RBIs in 1,766 games. Baseball always remained a part of Frank’s life as he continued answering fan mail and collecting and signing baseball cards until his death. He even had a chance to attend the Mets Old Timers’ Day weekend in August 2022 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the inaugural season.
Frank is preceded in death by his wife, Dodo, daughter, Sharon, and sister, Dolores. He is survived by his and Dodo’s children, Joanne, Patty, Frankie, Peter, Maryanne, Paul, and Mark, their 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, his sister Marie and brother Johnny, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Friends received Thursday from 6-8pm and Friday 2-4pm and 6-8pm at T.B. DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, 806 Perry Hwy., North Hills. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish at St. Sebastian Church, Saturday 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, the Thomas family would like any donations to be made to Camp Happy Days, Courageous Kidz with Cancer, or Bridges PPG Hospice.
Please accept my sympathies to the entire Thomas family. I was so sad to read of Frank’s passing I have been a big fan of Frank’s since I was a little girl. I finally got to meet him when he shopped at A.T. Merhaut. I’m the manager there and was overjoyed the first time I met him. He took the time to talk with me about baseball. A kind and friendly man, that I’m sure will be missed.
God Bless,
Joanne Hart
I was so sorry to hear of Franks passing. He was one of a kind and seeing him around the Atria community and hearing the stories was a highlight for me and other residents. He truly made an impact. My prayers and thoughts are with your entire family. May he Rest In Peace.
Our sincere condolences to the entire Thomas family We met Frank and Dolores 22 years ago when they came to our home in Sherman Oaks California. I worked in the movie business and got them a tour of Sony Studios, ( old MGM studio) tickets to Disneyland and we went to a Dodger game. As a baseball fan starting in 1959 I was able to ask Frank so many questions about the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. I could not believe that a real baseball player was having dinner at our home. Frank and Dolores both took turns holding my 2 Academy Awards with big smiles !! I still have the pictures and they were so happy. As a longtime baseball collector I will always have a big smile when I look at one of Frank’s baseball cards or see his signature on one of the many vintage team signed baseballs.
Rest in Peace Frank and thanks for being my Baseball Friend !!
Prayers for the family. Wonderful man that I got to know at the Joe Walton Golf Outings. Rest in God’s hands now.
Fr. Mark and the whole Thomas family. my sincere condolences on the passing of Frank. May his soul rest in the peace of the Lord and may the Lord give you comfort at this sad time.
Remembering the happy times you shared with my family in Somerset, PA. Your dad would bring your whole family and we would go to our cabin for picnics. Frank was always happy to share his family with us..
Frank was my favorite player in 1956-57. Several years ago I contacted him and he invited me to his house. Was able take him to breakfast or lunch over the last five years. We went to a game in August 2021. He was a great guy.
Frank was one of my childhood favorite Buccos as a kid as he was a true slugging third baseman. Was sad when he was traded to the Redlegs but had the trade not taken place the Pirates may not have won the World Series in 1960. Had the opportunity to meet Frank several years ago and he was courteous enough to autograph a baseball for me. He signed the baseball Frank Thomas “The Original One.” Rest in peace Mr. Thomas as God has opened his arms to welcome you into His Heavenly Kingdom.
Fr Mark, so sorry to hear about your Dad passing away. We belonged to St Norberts. You were so wonderful to our family when my Dad passed away. You have our deepest sympathy.
Sitting with Frank and his wife at the 2008 BAT dinner in NYC was truly a great experience. A very interesting man . Rest In Peace Frank. A great Pittsburgh legend.
As a nine year old in 1962 I became a lifelong Mets and Frank Thomas fan. For years his framed personally autographed photo graced the nightstand next to my bed. Two years ago I wrote to him and he wrote me a gracious letter. I never met Mr. Thomas, but the joy he gave a little boy by being so kind has lasted a lifetime. May his memory be a blessing.
Memories that all they can gave us. Rest “the Original One” in peace.
Thank you for the memories. Rest, now, in peace.
So glad that I saw Frank in Pittsburgh this summer and at the Mets Old Timers game. He was a good friend and I will miss him.
Fr. Mark, I am so sorry about the passing of your father. He is with Jesus now!!! God bless you and your family in this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Uncle Frank ❤️
Sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. I have many fond memories of Frank while growing up in San Francisco. We first met Frank when he played for the Cubs. He immediately become my hero. I am an original Met fan because I was for whatever team Frank played for. He probably didn’t have as any fond memories of me though (think Metracal). Cherish the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
The family of Floyd and Merle Heiple holding you all in our hearts and prayers. We thought the world of Frank.
Joanne,
So very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rest in peace brother
My sympathy to your beautiful family.
My Dear friend Mark; your Dad was a wonderful man.
I told Mark that on 2 occasions I was at the game your Dad played in at Forbes field.
Frank had 2 home runs on a July 1958 game I attended.
The Holy Spiri’s comfort to all of you
Never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Thomas’s it my dad Tim Szazynski of Lawrenceville Spoke of him over the years regarding baseball.
Rest in Piece🙏🙏🙏
Father Mark,
I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad, I have warm memories of going to his house with you many years ago.