Credit: Legacy.com
The Borough of Hatboro took time to recognize a pillar of the community at its recent Borough Council meeting.
Borough Council, Mayor Schultz, and Borough staff honored Roy “Butch” Thomas after he passed away on April 15, 2025.
“It is with profound sadness that we share with our community the passing of Roy "Butch" Thomas,” Hatboro Councilman Don Hoover said. “Butch, as everyone knew him, was a lifelong resident of the Borough who dedicated his life to serving Hatboro residents both as an employee and as a volunteer firefighter.”
Thomas began his career with the Borough of Hatboro in 1992 as a member of the Public Works Department. At Public Works, he served in many different capacities before retiring as the Superintendent of Public Works in December of 2010.
After a few years of retirement, Butch returned to work at the Borough as the Deputy Fire Marshal and Property Maintenance Inspector from 2013 to 2015 where he performed fire safety inspections for businesses and homes in addition to enforcing local property maintenance codes.
“Butch's hard work and dedication to the Borough gained the respect and adoration of his colleagues over the years, many of whom remained in close contact with Butch long past his retirement,” Hoover added.
“As if his service to our community as a Borough employee is not impressive enough, Butch was also a life member of the Enterprise Fire Company of Hatboro. Throughout his years of service, Butch rose to countless ranks including Deputy Chief 95.”
According to the people who knew him best, outside of work, Butch was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, known for his sense of humor, quick wit and unwavering support for those he loved.
Butch was a beloved member of the Hatboro community and impacted the lives of so many residents, employees, and business owners throughout his lifetime. He loved Hatboro just as much as Hatboro loved him and worked tirelessly to give back to our small town however he could.
"Borough Council, Mayor Schultz, and Borough staff remembering Butch and sending our condolences to his wife Janice and his family," Hoover said.
