In Memoriam

H. Laverne Thomas
1928-2025

ONEONTA—H. Laverne Thomas, retired professor of mathematics at the State University of New York at Oneonta, musician, and community leader, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 1, 2025, surrounded by his children, caregivers, and Hospice staff.

Born in 1928 in Syracuse, New York, Verne was the son of Dr. Robert and Eva Thomas. He grew up in the Methodist-supported Pittman Community Center, located in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. He attended college at Syracuse University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics and mathematics education.

While a student at Syracuse University, Verne met Mary Elizabeth Dunham at Erwin Methodist Church, where they sang in the choir. They were married at EMC and began a lifelong partnership filled with love, music, and family. Together they raised five children, welcomed five grandchildren, and celebrated the joy of seven great-grandchildren. Travelling was a cherished family tradition, from tent camping as a young family to RV trips around the country and tours of Europe. Their home was also a welcoming place for foreign exchange students, many of whom became extended family.

Verne began his teaching career at Franklin Central School, where he taught high-school mathematics. In 1959, he became professor of mathematics at SUNY Oneonta (then SUCO) and later completed his PhD in mathematics education at Columbia University. Over the course of his career, Verne taught countless students, supervised future teachers, chaired the mathematics department and served on numerous college committees before retiring in 1992. He was a member of several mathematics professional organizations including the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State (AMTNYS), where he held leadership roles and served as president.

Faith and service were central to Verne’s life. As a member of the First United Methodist Church of Oneonta, he was deeply involved in local church activities, at the annual conference, and on national church committees. He also served on the board, including as president, of the Family Planning Association of Oneonta. He contributed his expertise in computer programming by writing and maintaining the databases of the association.

Music was a lifelong passion. Trained in piano, voice, and violin, Verne shared his talents in many ways: he sang in the Catskill Choral Society and its select Catskill Chamber Singers, served as a board member of the Oneonta Community Concert Association, and lent his voice to the FUMC choir for more than 60 years! A proud member of the Oneonta Rotary Club since 1965, Verne was the club’s longtime pianist. His improvisational piano stylings, often paired with his warm baritone voice, brought joy to all.

Verne is survived by his children: Steven Laverne Thomas (Martha), Janice Eileen Thomas, and Sandra Lynne Thomas; grandchildren: Sara Thomas (Josh Regan), Edward Thomas (Megan Hennessey), Christopher Thomas, Jesse Thomas (Brianna Keefe-Oates), and Hannah Frawley (Taurene Ford); son-in-law: Christopher Dranchek; daughter-in-law: LeeAnn Nixon; and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary D. Thomas, and daughters, Carol Elizabeth Thomas and Judith Elaine Thomas.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, 330 Chestnut Street in Oneonta.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catskill Area Hospice, First United Methodist Church of Oneonta, or A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Arrangements are with Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, Oneonta. Condolences may be shared at www.lhpfuneralhome.com.