The local football world lost a true giant Oct. 21 with the passing of Ed Thomas at the age of 82. With more than 30 years of coaching and 44 years of overall volunteerism to the Methuen Pop Warner football program, Thomas positively affected the lives of literally hundreds of athletes in our community.
Thomas’ legacy was one of teaching the game, but moreover, teaching young athletes about dedication, discipline, sportsmanship and dignity in both victory and defeat. He was an old-school coach who collaborated with generations of Methuen Pop Warner players, coaches, parents and volunteers.
In tribute, the Methuen Pop Warner Facebook page posted these heartfelt words, “Ed dedicated 44 years to our program, touching the lives of so many athletes and coaches, truly shaping the future of Methuen Pop Warner.”
Beyond the league itself, Thomas’ true legacy resides in the people whom he mentored and influenced. One of these was Chuck Silva, a longtime Methuen athlete and coach. Silva talks about Thomas’ personal impact on his life: “Ed was my Pop Warner Football coach for three years. He was a great mentor and coach to me in my youth. He was a great leader, and he always made others better as a result of his presence.”
Perhaps the ultimate test of any coach is how his words and actions stay with his players long after the final huddle breaks. Thomas surely left an indelible imprint on all of the athletes he coached.
“In my adulthood, Ed became a dear family friend for over 35 years,” relates Silva. “He supported me as a coach through my football career and continued his support as I became a coach for Pop Warner, attending football games in support of my children. That impact will be everlasting in his absence.”
Arrangements were handled by the Carrier Funeral Home of Windham, N.H.
