PORTLAND and HAMPDEN Ryan John Thomas passed away Jan. 2, 2009, at his home after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 21, 1981, in Burlington, Vt. Ryan graduated from Hampden Academy in 1999, where he excelled in football, basketball and academics. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in business from the University of Southern Maine, where he participated on the men’s basketball team. Prior to his long illness, Ryan was employed at Wells Fargo. He also participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, Portland. He will be remembered for his generosity, kind heart and sense of humor, as well as his ability to selflessly put the needs of his friends and family ahead of his own. He enjoyed barbecues, playing the guitar, campfires and was a gifted writer. He is survived by his mother, Cindy Thomas of Winterport; father, Jack Thomas and wife, Connie Barrett, also of Winterport; his brothers, Beau Thomas of Oakland and Evan Thomas of Barre, Vt. He is also survived by his beloved fiancee, Amy Corrao, who lovingly cared for him; as well as his grandparents, Jack and June Thomas of Ormond Beach, Fla., and Peggy Paramore of Abiline, Kan. Family and friends may visit 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 70 Western Ave., Hampden. Interment in the springtime will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Winterport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ryan’s name to CancerCare of Maine, care of Healthcare Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931 or Hampden Academy Boosters Club, care of Superintendent’s Office, 24 Main Road North, Hampden, ME 04444. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
RYAN J. THOMAS
