Robert E. Thomas, PhD of Craryville, NY died Thursday, September 16, 2010 at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, NY. Born in Prospect, NY on March, 2, 1921, Bob is survived by his wife Veronica (Ronnie) and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, William H. Thomas, his mother, Bernice Thomas and his brother, William C. Thomas. A U.S. Army World War II Veteran, on D-Day, June 6, 1944, Bob was in the 6:16 am assault on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, as a member of the 294th Joint Assault Signal Company, attached to the 1st Army, 1st Division, 5th Special Engineer Brigade. After completion of his military service, he enrolled at Columbia University, subsequently earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees in history. During those years, Bob had articles published in the American Historical Review, the Journal of Southern History, the Avery Encyclopedia of History and, later, the Dictionary of American Biography. Following graduate school, Bob and his wife Veronica were freelance writers of books on corporate histories. Subsequently, Bob became Senior Writer in the Public Relations Dept. of the New York Life Insurance Co.; Assistant to the President of WNET/Channel 13, New York City's public broadcasting station; a Vice Chancellor of the State University of New York and, at retirement, was Executive Director of the Association of Public Broadcasting Stations of New York. After retiring, Bob was especially proud to have researched and authored - with the assistance of many club members - the book "Wyantenuck Country Club Centennial History, 1896-1996." In Accordance with Bob's wishes, there will be no public calling hours or funeral. Arrangements have been entrusted to the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl funeral home, Chatham. Contributions, if so desired, may be made in Bob's memory to a charity of one's choice. To send an online condolence, visit www.frenchblasl.com.