Obituary of Peter Thomas

Schenectady - Peter Louis Thomas, "Big Pete", 61 transitioned from labor to reward on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Albany Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Peter was born on June 23, 1962, in Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY to the late Venora Mae Thomas of Albany, NY and Birmingham, AL and the late Benjamin Kinnie of Marion, AL. Peter was educated in the Albany Public School system for the majority of his childhood until returning with his family to Alabama in 1976. Upon graduation from Philips High School Peter entered the U.S. Coast Guard and specialized as an Electrician Mate. When he left the Coast Guard Peter moved to Danville, KY. where he worked for R.R. Donnelly & Sons and Panasonic Home Appliances using his skills as an electrician. He also studied computer electronics and networking at Central Kentucky Technical College. Peter came back to the northeast and settled in Schenectady, NY where he worked for Super Steel of Schenectady and the Albany Management Co., Inc. Peter also had a side hustle and loved fixin' things and become quite skilled as a handyman who performed repairs and renovations such as plumbing, heating, drywall hanging, painting, flooring and furniture re-finishing at the homes of his clients. Peter loved his family and you became family as soon as he met you. He was always the life of any family gathering and would have you laughing hysterically the entire time with his unique sense of humor. No one was immune to his good-natured teasing either. Even when he was getting beat badly playing Spades, he'd be cracking jokes on everyone else. He supported his family members by always being there whenever they needed him – taking them grocery shopping, supporting their church ministries, "fixin' things", being at graduations and for whatever reason he was needed. His immeasurable kindness was truly special – he would give you the shirt off his back and the shoes off his feet while asking if you also needed him to carry you? A fan of all sports he loved football the most and would watch games anytime he could. Peter's love of family, sports and wearing his overalls is only surpassed by his love for the Lord, and even though he may not have shown it outwardly Peter's faith in God was deep. Pre-deceased by his twin brother Paul eight months ago and by his infant daughter Nia Nicole in 1988, Peter leaves to cherish his memory his son Peter, Jr. (P2) Danville, KY, his grandchildren Madden, Noah, and Paxton, his brother Harold L. Gayle, Jr. Schenectady, his sisters Crickett Thomas-O'Dell (Dennis), Ballston Lake, NY, Alma Jeane Hooten (Victor) Albany, NY, Anne Marie Martin, Albany NY, special nieces Brianna/Bre aka Bully, Jeanora aka Bora, Theo aka TAD along with several more nieces, nephews, cousins, special sisters and in-laws. Peter is also survived by his former wife Kittie Thomas, Danville, KY, several "brothers' from childhood, adulthood and the military, co-workers and clients and his special "Sage Idiots" who will all miss him deeply. Funeral Service Friday February 23, 12 Noon . An hour of visitation will precede the service Friday from 11-12. The family would like to thank all the caregivers who tended to Peter in such a lovingly way; everyone always said how nice he was, especially the staff at Evergreen Commons Rehab & Nursing Center, East Greenbush NY. Thank you also to the Daly Funeral Home, Schenectady NY Peter will be missed greatly, but his impact on our lives will never diminish.