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Dr. Richard W. Thoma

December 07, 1921 - August 05, 2010

Dr. Richard W. Thoma

Born in Milwaukee, Wisc., Dec. 7, 1921, he grew up in Oak Park, Ill. He attended the University of Chicago until his studies were interrupted by World War II.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the United States Army in the Southern Philippines, Luzon and New Guinea campaigns.

After the war, he completed college, then went on to earn a Ph.D. in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Dr. Thoma spent the bulk of his professional career (1951-1982) at Bristol Myers Squibb (formerly ER Squibb & Sons), North Brunswick and Lawrenceville, NJ, where he did research and development in fermentation and antibiotics. He published extensively in the field of biochemical research and held numerous patents. He was a past-president of the Theobald Smith Society (the New Jersey Branch of the American Society for Microbiology).

Dr. Thoma retired from Squibb as Director of Microbiological Process Development in 1982. He then built and ran a demonstration laboratory for New Brunswick Scientific, Edison, NJ, to showcase the company's biochemical-industry equipment. He also taught a microbiology course at Rutgers University.

His civic activities in New Jersey included Democratic Party chairman for Bridgewater Township, member of the Bridgewater Town Council, and Somerset County Election Board Commissioner. Dr. Thoma was a Communicant of Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Somerville, New Jersey and Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, Martinsville, New Jersey.

Locally, Dr. Thoma was a Saint Lucie Village Alderman and was a member of the Saint Lucie County International Airport Study Group. He was a member of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Dr. Thoma was the founder of a research and consulting firm, Saint Lucie Bio-Tech. He also served as safety officer for Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute.

Survivors include his daughter, Adele Barree and son-in-law Don of New Jersey; three sons, Richard W. Thoma Jr. , of North Carolina, Joe Thoma and daughter-in-law Anna of Orlando, and John Thoma of New Jersey; four grandchildren, Katie and Elaine Thoma, and John and Alex Barree; and two brothers, James Thoma and Donald Thoma, both of Illinois. Mr. Thoma is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Ida Mary Thoma.

A Eucharist Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m., August 21, at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 210 South Indian River Dr., Fort Pierce, FL 34950, with Rev. John Liebler, Rector, officiating.

Friends who wish may contribute to Mustard Seed Ministries, 3130 S US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982-6304.

Funeral Information

A Eucharist Memorial Service will be held at 1:00PM, August 21, at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church with Rev. John Liebler, Rector, officiating.

Donations Information

Friends who wish may contribute to Mustard Seed Ministries, 3130 S US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982-6304.

 Dr. Richard W. Thoma

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