Jeffrey D. Thomas

Jeffrey D. Thomas, 76, died on February 10, 2026, at his home in Lititz, PA. He was a professional musician and renowned timpanist. Born in Bloomsburg, PA on July 24,1949, to the late David H. Thomas and Kathryn Conrad Thomas, he is survived by his fiancée Diane Coffey.

A 1967 McCaskey High School graduate, he earned his BS from Millersville University and MM in Music Performance from the Manhattan Institute of Music. At the age of 16, Jeff began teaching percussion at Darnells Music Studio on Orange St. in Lancaster, inspiring many students to share his love of music.

While still in high school Jeff joined the Philadelphia Eagles Sound of Brass at the invitation of Music Director Don Trostle and later joined him with the Concert Band of Lancaster, bringing free classical music performances to Lancaster Square.

Jeff started his professional musical career by performing locally in the Lancaster Symphony as a percussionist, the Fulton Opera House musical productions, Mount Gretna Musical productions, and was the sound of the booming timpani at the annual Fourth of July celebration featuring the “Overture of 1812”, held as a free concert at Long’s Park. He also was the long-time timpanist for the Christmas Eve service at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Jeff’s passion was playing his timpani. He studied under Fred D Hinger, a world recognized timpanist and authority in percussion and design. Jeff’s greatest professional pride was owning Hinger timpani and later manufacturing perfectly tuned timpani for himself and other timpanists. He highlighted his own timpani when he played his signature solo, “Concerto for 8 Timpani” under the direction of Conductor Charles Schneider.

Throughout his career he performed as principal timpanist with the Wilmington, Reading, and Harrisburg Symphony Orchestras, the Berks County Grand Opera, the Lancaster Opera company, the Harrisburg Civic Opera, and the Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia.

As a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists, Jeff performed with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the New York City Ballet, and in many different Broadway shows. He toured Europe and was the timpanist for concerts in Rome, Portugal and London that featured the score of the original Star Wars movie by John Williams as well as playing timpani with the Moscow Ballet when they performed the “Nutcracker Suite” in Niagara Falls. He also played timpani for renowned Boston Pops conductor Arthur Fiedler, who praised Jeff’s talents.

Even though Jeff suffered from a lengthy illness, up until his death, he enjoyed playing timpani with the Malta Band of Lancaster, the Lititz Community Band, and the Bainbridge Band.

Jeff was also an outdoorsman who enjoyed many years of hunting and fly fishing with his father and cousins in Columbia County, PA. Most of all he enjoyed his time with Diane and his Jack Russell Terrier. He lived by the Motto: “I serve God through serving others.”

Jeff is survived by his sisters, Patricia Spotts (Kent) of Peach Bottom, Ann Thomas and Pamela Stoner (John), both of Lancaster, multiple nieces, nephews and cousins, Diane’s daughter Amber Madl, as well as his extended family in Columbia County, PA.

The family is grateful to all the health care professionals who attended Jeff over the years, especially Dr. Jeffrey R. Martin.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at the DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 141 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602 on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life. Interment will be private.