In Memory of
William J. Thomas
January 5, 2019
Obituary
William J. Thomas, age 50 of Pompton Lakes, died
suddenly on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.
Billy was a police officer with the Port Authority of NY
& NJ. He joined “The Port” in 1996 almost by accident,
which was right on par for Billy. Prior to 1996, he had
been a UPS delivery driver and he fell off of his own
delivery truck…breaking his ankle. While recovering from
that injury, he was doing a whole lot of nothing, so one
of his friends encouraged him to go into New York City
and sit for the Port Authority entrance exam. Billy
thought it was a dumb idea, but he had nothing better to
do. To everyone’s surprise, he passed the test (his
friend wasn’t so lucky) and there began his career with
The Port. His experiences over the years, including
those of 9/11, made for some very interesting stories
and he was excited to have met several U.S. Presidents,
with George W. Bush among his favorites. He loved his
career, his fellow officers, and especially his partner.
In no uncertain terms; they were like family to him.
Billy was the life of the party wherever he went. His
distinct and loud laugh were part of his identity, and
he laughed often. He’s a big and imposing guy, but with
a heart of gold and the personality of a teddy bear. He
knew how to have fun, and all of his friends surely have
their own legendary stories of good times spent with
Billy. Excitement followed him…or was created by him,
depending upon your point of view. He was also a true
“Gym Rat.” He worked out at gyms all over the North
Jersey area, and his years at Gold’s Gym in Riverdale
were his most memorable. His compulsive behavior was
evidenced all around him. Amazon made daily deliveries
to his house, he seemed to buy a new car every few
weeks, his shoe collection is probably larger than that
of Imelda Marcos, and he loved nice watches. He was the
kind of guy that would get excited to learn guitar, for
example, then buy a top-shelf guitar and never use it!
But he was always having fun doing whatever he was
doing.
Billy was extremely close with his mother and
grandmother. He loved them dearly. Sadly, his mother,
Daniela Limandri, died in 2014 after a courageous battle
with cancer and then he lost his grandmother; Minnie
Amato in 2016. These were devastating losses for him and
he truly missed them. Among his dearest and most loved
companions were his five dogs. He was particular to
American Bulldogs and Carmine was his favorite of all.
He also has an African Grey Parrot named Oliver (does
anybody want him?) who isn’t quite as friendly as his
dogs. Billy loved all of his animals dearly.
Billy is survived by his sister; Teri Dioslaki and her
husband Steve of Wayne, his step-daughter; Alex Hassett
of Park Ridge, his ex-wife; Deborah Hassett of Park
Ridge, his niece; Mackiel Dioslaki of Wayne and his
nephew; Joseph Dioslaki of Wayne, his Godson; Brandon
Limandri, his best friend and partner in crime since
childhood; Pat Fasolino, as well as all of his brothers
and sisters in the Port Authority. He was predeceased by
his mother; Daniela Limandri in 2014, and by his
grandmother; Minnie Amato in 2016.
Friends may visit with the family at the
Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral
Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Monday,
January 21, 2019 from 4-8 PM. Funeral Services will be
held at 10 AM on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019 at the funeral
home and Bill will be laid to rest near his grandmother
at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa.
For those wishing to make a donation in Billy’s memory,
please consider the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.
Billy’s mother died of this disease and your support
would be appreciated. Donations can be sent to; OCRA, PO
Box 32141, New York, NY 10087-2141, or donate online at
www.ocrahope.org.
