'Pure-Hearted' Mendham Teen Services Set For Monday

MENDHAM, NJ - He was born in Boulder Colorado in March of 2000, but William McKean Thomas called Mendham his home. The 19-year-old son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend died Tuesday and services for him are set for Monday.

According to his family it was through William they learned about the Autism community and tried to live a life of compassion towards people who think and behave differently. Being autistic is a lifelong journey of struggle, acceptance and perseverance, his family said.

"He tackled his differences head on but still struggled…like we all do. How do you make a teenager believe that there is no such thing as normal? In life’s journey, all you can do is your best," they wrote in his obituary. "Throughout his short life, Will always loved with a pure heart and did the very best he could."

William was passionate about so many things: animals, trips to Nantucket and Aspen, sports and his family, his family said. He always wanted to know how you were doing and what everyone was up to. He was everywhere all the time whether it was popping over for pancakes and conversation or just stopping in for a cold drink, his family noted. His love and knowledge of basketball and football overflowed.

The Denver Broncos were his favorite team because he never forgot where he was born. Focus, generosity, loyalty, innocence, love and enthusiasm are words that we use to describe this beautiful boy. the obituary said.

"A bright light danced throughout his short life. Oh William, how we will miss the glow of that light," his family wrote.

He was the younger brother to Nicholas and older brother to Peter. Beloved son of Ed and Tammy and a loving grandson of Bob and Anita Jacobson and Flor and Jim Thomas. He is missed terribly by his aunts, uncles and cousins. Blanca, Jorge, Jim, Nicole, Kya, Ailer, Susan, Jim, Isla, Lily, Lynn, Emily and Julia, the family said. He also leaves behind his best friend, Aunt Patti, with whom he shared a special bond.

Visitation will be held at Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Road, Mendham on Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.. All are welcome to join family and friends in paying their respects to this amazing young man.