Obituary of Alphonso O Thomas

Alphonso Ohenio Thomas, also known as Ito or Al, a native Virgin Islander, was born on July 9, 1939. He was the 6th child of Albert Thomas and Clothilda Francis. Alphonso graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School. He excelled throughout his schooling years. Alphonso was an outstanding baseball player and could always be found on a baseball field enhancing his game. When he wasn't playing baseball, he was involved with the youths teaching them how to play steel pan music and traveling throughout the Caribbean to participate in steel pan competitions.  Later on in his life he resided in Woodlynne New Jersey.  Alphonso worked for the state of New Jersey at Lakeland Detention Center in Camden County. For entertainment and the love of steel pan he created a steel pan orchestra and they would travel to Philadelphia and Atlantic City to play steel pan music. When he could no longer play steel pan he traveled to nursing homes with his church to spread the gospel.  Al,  the name he was known as in his neighborhood was very friendly, caring and giving. In the community of Woodlynne he was the Community Activists, Spokesperson, Board Member of OEO and Councilman of Woodlynne for many years. He always had a passion for politics from when he lived in his hometown of St. Thomas. Al had a special love for his community, especially the children.  Every occasion he would give to the children whatever he had whether it was school supplies, food, snacks, candy, school supplies etc....as they passed by his home. He also shared with them a word from God.     Alphonso is survived by his sister Gladys Thomas- Wilkinson, daughters Sandra Bland and Patrecia Kinchen, son Peter Thomas. Granddaughters Joyeau Bland and Melanie Kinchen, Grandson Brian Bland. Beloved niece and Caretaker Denise Wilkinson- Linton and many other relatives and friends.