Obituary of Carl O. Thomas

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Carl O. Thomas Jr, a devoted husband, loving father, dedicated police officer and respected Sensei, who left this world on June 10th 2025 surrounded by his family. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Carl lived a life rooted in service, strength, and compassion. He served his community with honor and integrity as a 1st Grade Detective in the NYPD for 28 years. Over the years he served with the 70 Precinct, Brooklyn Warrants, and Queens Warrants. His badge was not just a symbol of duty - it represented his unwavering commitment to protecting others and standing up for what is right, earning him the respect of colleagues and civilians alike. Beyond the uniform, Carl was a true martial artist, a gifted teacher, and a lifelong student of the discipline. As a Sensei, he mentored countless students in both martial art skills and life values, always emphasizing respect, humility and perseverance. His dojo was a sanctuary where confidence was built, character was shaped, and lives were changed. But above all, Carl was a family man. His love for his wife Judy (Puddins), his children Tiffany, Carleen, Shannon, Kennedy and Jason, and grandchildren Natalie, Audrey and Jack, was the heartbeat of his life and the foundation of their world. In addition he was the guiding voice and the warm embrace to his son in laws Jamie and Twiggy. He approached fatherhood with the same honor and dedication that defined every aspect of his life - with strength and boundless love. Carl lived life on his own terms. He faced every challenge head-on, made decisions with conviction, and never backed down from what he believed in. His presence was larger than life and his personality unforgettable, often described as his super power, or everyone's Big Guy. Like the song he loved, he truly did it his way - with grit, grace and authenticity. He left this world with no regrets, only the lasting impact of a life lived fully and honestly. Though he wore many uniforms and titles, it was the way Carl lived that left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the lives he protected, the students he mentored and the family he cherished. He will be forever loved by Pamela Rose, Lisa and Gina Ruggerio, John and Cheryl Leonti, Jennifer, Gordon, Tommy and Brittany Monger, Kenneth, Jess, Allyson, Chris, David, Axel and Margo Ortiz, Marta Reyes, Frenchy Scarda, Babe Sorrento, Sal Amato, and all of the Legend Karate Family, Sgt. Derrick Johnson and the NYPD family, and countless more family and friends. A celebration to honor Carl will be held on Saturday June 28th 2025, at Legend Shotokan Karate 585 East 16th Street Brooklyn, New York from 1pm - 4pm. Please dress as Carl preferred, casual. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate or the Detective Endowment Association, www.nycdetectives.org/widows-childrens-fund/ in Carl's honor.