SHARON — Thomas was born in London, England, May 1, 1945. His parents had left Germany in 1938 and arrived in England by way of Prague. Thomas grew up in London and followed his father into the Brod Gallery, specializing in Dutch 17th century paintings and drawings. When he was eighteen, his father sent him to the United States for the first time. His assignment was to travel the country visiting collectors and museums. This would be his first trip, but many would follow.
Thomas loved art, music, travel, skiing, woodworking, and everything that went up in the air (he was a private pilot and also enjoyed flying radio control model airplanes). But there was nothing he loved more than his family. His four children, Alex, Jonathan, Julian and Amelia, their spouses, and his grandchildren. Thomas had Parkinson’s disease for 36 years, which progressively hindered many of his usual activities. But time spent with his family, children, grandchildren and his wife, Brenda, always brought him joy and increased energy. He always had a wry and surprising sense of humor, and laugh lines at the corners of his eyes, or a raised eyebrow, when someone made a joke.
Thomas, Brenda and family lived in Sharon for part of each year, beginning in 1983. In 2018, Thomas and Brenda moved permanently to Sharon. Thomas felt a strong kinship to this area from his first visit. It is where he, and his family, spent many of the happiest moments of their lives. We are glad that his last years were spent here.
Thomas died at home in the early hours of New Year’s day after enjoying a New Year’s dinner with his family.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
A ceramic vase by Kathleen Heidemann.Provided 
Joy Brown’s delightful ceramic sculptures.Provided 
