ANTHONY J. THOMAS, JR., M.D., age 74.  Beloved husband of Mary Jane (nee George) for 50 years; devoted father of Chris, John (Colleen), Jen (Eric) and Kathy (Robb); brother of Dr. Samuel J. (Paula), Sr. Kathryn, C.S.J. and John (Doreen); son of the late Isabel (nee Joseph) and Tony Thomas; cherished grandfather of ten.  Passed away peacefully November 5, 2017.

Tony's career as a physician began in the mid-70s and he also served as a doctor in the U.S. Navy. In 1982, he joined the Cleveland Clinic Foundation as director of the Center for Male Infertility for more than 30 years. A world-renowned fertility expert and a celebrated urologist, Tony pioneered microsurgical procedures and published legendary research. He was honored with several prestigious awards for his expertise and named one of America's top doctors.

In recent years, he served as Patient Experience Officer for Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute and as a member of the Department of Bioethics. As an ethicist, he was a source of practical wisdom infused with compassion. Held in high regard by everyone who worked with him, Tony was a true role model to the generation of urology, microsurgery and ethics professionals he trained until he retired in 2012.

Perhaps more important and impactful than his expertise was Tony's bedside manner, which embodied the human side of medicine. He always saw his patients as "people" first and practiced with passion, integrity and humility.

While he was an amazing physician, he was even a better husband, father and grandfather. He never failed to make his family a priority and none of us doubt his deep love for us. We were blessed to learn many lessons from him over the years, among them: the importance of faith; that loving your spouse is the greatest gift you can give your kids; to listen as well as you speak; and to work hard and always be honest. Our parents had a love story that will live on forever in the generations to come.

Our families are the greatest gifts from God, and all of God's most precious gifts must one day be returned. With heavy hearts full of sadness, love and gratitude, we entrust our father today to the Lord he faithfully served.

A special thank you to the Ames Family Hospice in Westlake for their loving care and support. Funeral Mass Monday, November 13, St. Ladislas Church (2345 Bassett Rd., Westlake) at 12 Noon.  Interment St. Joseph Cemetery (Avon). In lieu of flowers, the family strongly encourages you to consider a memorial contribution to The Sorrowful Mother Shrine; 4106 State Route 269; Bellevue, Ohio  44811.