By KEITH GRANT
Thomas, who was 70, suffered a fatal heart attack minutes after finishing one of his beloved early-morning runs.
We've lost a true friend and dedicated colleague, said Long Beach Police Commissioner John Laffey. Long before coming to Long Beach, Laffey had known Thomas from their many years in the NYPD.
He was an expert in the medical field, Laffey said. He was always willing to go the extra mile to help a cop. It's a real loss for the city of New York, and for the city of Long Beach. He was a wonderful guy.
Neighbor Robert Lee, who attempted to revive Thomas, remembered how the doctor would stop to examine people on the boardwalk when asked. He simply never hesitated to help out a friend. On Tuesday, Lee was speaking about Thomas with Bob Carroll, Long Beach's superintendent of recreation. He said, Bob Thomas was always there for us,' Lee said. That sums up his whole life.
The following biography of the distinguished doctor was written by his son, Michael Thomas:
Robert E. Thomas was born in the Bronx in 1933 to Robert Walker Thomas and Mae Brown Thomas. From a young age, he was fascinated with science, athletics and altruism. Defying conventions of the time, he studied in bed by flashlight, inspired by the fervent wish to become a doctor. Blessed with a powerful intellect and an assiduous nature, he pursued a medical career by enlisting in the United States Army in 1955, serving in the 8th Army Medical Corps.
He later entered Brooklyn College, earning a bachelor's degree in biology in 1960. While at Brooklyn College, he developed his life-long love of competitive athletics, becoming a world-class sprinter. He was inducted into the Brooklyn College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979.
In 1966, he married the love of his life, Catherine Parsons, a teacher, in a simple ceremony in Brussels, Belgium. There, his first child, Michael, was born in 1967. Robert graduated from the University of Brussels in 1969 and became a physician, realizing a dream to serve people as a healer. He then completed his training at Long Island Jewish Hospital. Two daughters, Judith and Diane, were born in 1970 and 1971.
Seeking to serve the poor in his native New York City, he became medical director of South Brooklyn Health Center and, later, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Family Health Center in Brooklyn. During his tenure at the Health Center, he established the Bedford Stuyvesant 10K run.
In 1982, he became a police surgeon with the New York City Police Department, and [he] became supervising chief surgeon in 1985. Working in the police department gave him many years of satisfaction, and he made countless lasting friendships. He also served as police surgeon for Long Beach and Rockville Centre.
Robert was a devoted fan of golf and track and field and ran several marathons. His best time was a brisk 2:52 at the age of 46. He also was a gifted classical pianist. He remained an avid runner his whole life and loved nothing more than morning runs on the Long Beach Boardwalk.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Catherine; children Michael, Judith and Diane; his mother, Mae Thomas, and three grandchildren. A memorial service was scheduled for Thursday morning, May 22, at 10 a.m. at Jordan's Funeral Home in Island Park.
