Kevin Thomas is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Elinor Schofield Thomas. The married couple had two children, Betsy and Bill.
After declining health, the Boston University Hall of Famer passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family members, on January 27, 2025.
Highlights
- Kevin Thomas and his wife, Elinor Schofield, nearly married for 60 years and had two children, Betsy and Billy.
- Elinor was a lifelong educator and business partner who passed away at 85 on June 2, 2019.
- BU Hall of Famer lost his life at the age of 91, surrounded by his family members on January 27, 2025.
Kevin played basketball at Boston University, where he was renowned for his exceptional hook shot. He maintained the title leading scorer for 11 years, amassing 1,138 points.
Moreover, he still holds the single-game record for thirty-four rebounds in a game against Boston College and twenty-one field goals made in a game against Rutgers.
In 1966, he was inducted into the Boston University Hall of Fame and retired his jersey number 4.
After his graduation, the Rochester Royals drafted him into the NBA, and he played professionally for two years, traveling nationwide with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Later, he returned to Boston University as an assistant basketball coach for the 1958-59 season and helped the Terriers advance to the Elite Eight during their first NCAA tournament.
Beyond his athletic achievements, he was known for his character and contributions as a friend, husband, and father.
Kevin Thomas And His Wife Had Been Married For Nearly 60 Years
Kevin was married to Elinor Schofield until her passing on June 2, 2019. The couple had two children, Betsy and Billy, and lived together in Dedham.
Later, they moved to Winchester, where Kevin was a part of a Winchester Youth Basketball League.
Elinor Mae Schofield Thomas was born in 1934 and raised in Somerville, Massachusetts. She graduated from Matignon High School and attended Sargeant College.
A lifelong educator and business partner engaged her passion, parenting her children in Winchester. She was full of energy and fierce in her love.
She mastered the art of mindful listening, and her connections with people were vital to her. An avid reader maintained a long list of holds at the public library.
Conversely, she was frustrated and entertained by golf in equal measure. Her faith at Sacred Heart Parish in Lexington sustained her through life’s challenges.
Sadly, Elinor passed away at the age of 85, and her family held a service on June 10, 2019, at Sacred Heart Church, 16 Follen Road in Lexington.
Her family was grateful to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center staff, Winchester Hospital, and Sawtelle Family Hospice House for their compassionate care throughout her final transition.
Nonetheless, instead of flowers, they requested others to consider donating to Lost Coin Women’s Fund, Sawtelle Family Hospice House, Gift Processing Center, or the charity of their choice.
Kevin Thomas’s Family Mourns His Tragic Demise
BU Hall of Famer Kevin Thomas lost his life at the age of 91, surrounded by his family members on January 27, 2025.
A career educator taught Social Studies in Ayer, Catholic Memorial in West Roxbury, and Wakefield High School.
After retiring, Kevin relocated to Woburn with his family, where he was frustrated with golf, volunteering challenged him, travel intrigued him, and grandparenting delighted him.
Faith was the pillar for Kevin and Elinor, and they played a crucial role in preserving their beloved Sacred Heart from closing.
His family members will undoubtedly miss the Hall of Famer’s steady presence, dry sense of humor, and passionate support of the underdog.
They will cherish their memories of cross-country adventures and annual trips to Long Beach in Rockport.
His daughter, Betsy, and her husband, Kevin Austin; his son, Bill, and his wife, Michelle Thomas; grandchildren Ashley, Matt, Sean, and Sam; and great-grandsons Calvin and Walker, survive him.
Moreover, his family requested a donation consideration to Habitat for Humanity, which Kevin had volunteered and supported their values.
They thanked New Horizons Assisted Living, Mary Ann Morse Healthcare, and Constellation Hospice for caring for him in his final years.
Kevin’s services will be held at Sacred Heart Parish in Lexington on Monday, February 10.
Additional Information
- Kevin Thomas was the middle of seven children born to George and Genevieve Thomas in 1933.
- His parents named him William Kevin Thomas, and they lived in Belmont and Newton.
- He completed his M.Ed. from Boston University.
