Daily Sentinel
Rome, NY 13440

Letter to the editor

Rome and the surrounding community lost one of its most competent scientists Saturday, February 16, after a courageous fight with cancer. Dr. Robert W. Thomas came to Rome as an Air Force lieutenant to work at Rome Air Development Center. He stayed on as a civilian research scientist and electronics engineer when his Air Force tour was completed.

Bob's life was his work. His contributions helped make the Microelectronics Laboratory at the Center known throughout the country and beyond. His doctoral dissertation (Syracuse University) involved one of the first attempts in this country to use metal-organic chemicals to grow single crystal semiconductor films for heterojunction transistors and diodes. Perhaps his most significant work was the development of a technique to analyze the gases inside microcircuit packages. Application of his method saved the government millions and improved the reliability of microcircuits in general. The excellent quality of science and engineering, carried out at the center, are not known to many in the Rome area, because of the technical nature of the work, but be assured, the dedicated effort of Bob Thomas contributed to the outstanding reputation R.A.D.C. and later Rome Laboratory has enjoyed in the science and engineering community in the UnitedStates. .

Bob was quiet and unassuming; he let his accomplishments speak for him. Those who knew him will miss that quiet competence and his rich, distinctive bass voice. Dedicated to improving the world through science, Bob.insisted on donating his body to further that effort. Our community was very fortunate to have a man like Bob among us for many years.

Clyde H. Lane
6318 Rt. 233
Rome,NY 13440