Glenn "Tommy" Thomas

On April 11, 2015, Glenn “Tommy” Thomas Jr., Leader of the Tommy Thomas Trio, beloved husband of Stephanie A. Thomas, (nee Smalek) his wife of 38 years. Devoted father of Anita M. Thomas. Also survived by many friends. Tommy Thomas was born on October 10, 1950 in Dundalk. His real name was Glenn Charles Thomas Jr., but he got the nickname of Tommy from his mother. He spent the majority of his life in Dundalk. He went to Our Lady of Hope School and was the first graduating class there. He then graduated high school from Archbishop Curley. He worked at the AMP grocery store for several years. Tommy then started working for the government and worked for several companies and had several positions over the years. As far as his polka career, Tommy played the accordion ever since he was a young boy. He made the accordion his life and began playing polka music. In 1971 his polka career took off and he played at The VIP room in East Baltimore. Tommy also began to teach Polka Dance Lessons at Polish Home club with his cousin Debbie. While playing at the VIP room Tommy met Stephanie Smalek. He asked Stephanie to take polka dance lessons. They dated for 6 years and in February of 1977 they got married. They were very happy together. In 1993 they adopted their daughter, Anita, from Guatemala. She changed their lives forever. Little did Tommy know, Anita would become his drummer when she turned 13. She played with Tommy until 2013 until he retired from polka music due to health issues. Many people knew Tommy from his music and he had a large following through the years. Tommy also had his own fan club known as the Tommy Thomas Polka Pals. He had many friends over the years and he loved all of them. He was always happy to perform music for people and bring a smile to their face. Tommy played for thousands of people all over the east coast. There were many times couples met each other through the dances Tommy played. He also enjoyed teaching the Polka to many people as well. Tommy Thomas loved his family dearly and always cherished his time with them. Tommy lived a great life and he would want everyone to remember the good times over the years. His memory will live on through his music and all of the wonderful memories. The family will receive friends at the family owned and operated CONNELLY FUNERAL HOME OF DUNDALK, 7110 Sollers Point Road, on Wednesday & Thursday from 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm. A mass of Christian burial to celebrate Tommy’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 6736 Youngstown Avenue. Interment immediately following at Holy Rosary Cemetery, 7305 German Hill Road. Online condolences may also be made at www.connellyfuneralhomeofdundalk.com