Alex Stafford (2009 Alex Stafford)
men4
Southwest Florida has lost an icon. Voice-over artist, World War II veteran and volunteer Peter Thomas died April 30.
Gulfshore Life named Thomas one of our Men & Women of the Year in 2009. Below is our interview with Thomas.
"Peter Thomas’ deep, soothing voice can be heard across the country, narrating TV programs such as the Forensic Files and the Oscar-winning documentary One Survivor Remembers. But Southwest Florida has a special claim on the well-known voice. Thomas donates his talents to support local causes, including the Philharmonic Center for the Arts, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, United Way, the Shelter for Abused Women & Children and many more.
A former CBS newsman and World War II veteran, Thomas is involved with Collier County’s Freedom Memorial and the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida, which honored him with its Triumph Award.
Thomas and his wife of 63 years, Stella, moved to Naples in 1966. (Editor's note: Stella passed away in 2014.) Now 85, he hopes never to retire. “It doesn’t feel like work,” he says. “Every day is a joy.”
Person he admires most: Stella. She’s helped me with everything on anything I’ve ever done.
... and within Southwest Florida: Myra Janco Daniels. I think she contributes more to this town than anybody.
Needed to improve the quality of life here: Watch the overdevelopment.
Qualities he admires most in others: Courage, devotion, dedication to a cause.
What he’d change about himself: I’d try to be more organized.
Alternate career choice: I’d write a book.
Adversity that shaped his character: The second World War. You’d give your life for these buddies.
He’d like to share a meal with: Gen. Omar Bradley to ask about certain military campaigns.
Special song: You Are My Sunshine. He dedicated the song to Stella after they met.
People would be surprised to know: I get up at 4 o’clock.
His secret obsession: I would have loved to have been a great tennis player."
Below is a interview Thomas did with fellow broadcaster Don Blair from the mid-2000s.
