Dr. Robert Thomas passed away on March 27, 2026, leaving behind a life and legacy rich in adventure, learning and an entrepreneurial spirit. Robert was born on November 5, 1951 in Manhattan, and has been a Forest Hills native since he was eight years old. At 22 years of age, he took an overnight flight to Italy, where he began his doctorate in veterinary medicine, learning Italian upon arrival, and graduated from the University of Bologna School of Veterinary Medicine in 1980. Robert would often remind us of his love for his time in Italy during university, his time playing professional squash for the Italian national team, and his graduation amongst the notable alumni Copernicus and Dante. He returned to Forest Hills and began his veterinary career stateside, opening up his own hospital, Animal Clinic of Queens, with Laurie, who later became his wife. He cherished his profession and his work and loved every aspect of running his businesses. His time overseas inspired his love of architecture and design, which he applied when building his hospitals, as well as his appreciation for the culinary arts. He was an incredible chef, voracious reader, and avid fisherman. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and clients. He is survived by his wife, Laurie, and his daughters. His legacy lives on through his daughter Laura, who is graduating from veterinary school this May, and his daughter Christine, who received her bachelor’s degree in culinary nutrition. Robert deeply believed in personal excellence, hard work, and doing a little bit better every day. The best way to honor his life would be to do what you love and love what you do, in the same way he did every day.