Bruce D. Thomas, 83, of Henderson and formerly of Adams, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025 under Hospice care at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Bethlehem, PA.

Born April 19, 1942 in Watertown, the son of Gerald L. and June L. Thomas, Bruce graduated from Adams High School and attended Canton ATC. He married Donna R. LaLone on November 17, 1984 and they celebrated their 40th anniversary last year. 

A previous marriage to Judith C. Jones ended in divorce.

Growing up, Bruce worked at his family’s business, G.L. Thomas and Sons in Adams. He then owned Hotel Adams and had a successful snow plowing business for many years. He began his own excavation business, which in the early 1980s he and Donna built into Thomas Excavating. His stepsons, Brian and Dean LaLone, joined the business in the 1990s and it expanded to include Thomas Trash Service and B & D Mini Storage.

Bruce was a member of the Elks Lodge and a member of the Adams Fire Department where he was assistant chief for several years prior to becoming chief from 1977-1978. 

He enjoyed boating, fishing, going on cruises, doing puzzles, reading, and family gatherings. He and Donna enjoyed winters in Florida for many years.

He is survived by his wife Donna; son Robert Thomas (RaeAnn), Adams; daughter Karen Scoville (Marty), Adams; two stepsons Brian LaLone (Luann), Adams, and Dean LaLone (Janet), Adams; grandchildren Jordan Thomas (Kerry), Nick Thomas, Nicole Szekeres (Trevor), Bradley LaLone, Brooke LaLone, Brett LaLone, Whitney Newlove (Ann), Madison Harryman (Samuel), Andrew Thomas, Mitchell Scoville, Taylor Scoville, Zachary Scoville, Edward Blackford (TeNisha), and Patrick Blackford (Kristina); great grandchildren Hadlee Rae, Calvin Szekeres, Rhett Thomas, Lucas Harryman, Presley Scoville, and Silas, Eddie, Jet and Dash Blackford.

He is predeceased by his parents, a brother Norman C. Thomas, and a son Brian C. Thomas.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Adams Fire Hall on Saturday, July 5 from 1 - 4 pm. If you have a favorite picture of you with Bruce, please bring it to the celebration. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Donations in his memory may be made to Adams Fire Department, PO Box 52, Adams, NY 13605, Henderson Rescue Squad, PO Box 50, Henderson, NY 13650, or Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Arrangements are with the Piddock Funeral Home, Adams, NY.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.piddockfuneralhome.com