Jason R. Thomas, age 46, passed away unexpectedly after having been missing since December 12, 2025.  He was the loving and devoted husband of Kristen Bartoli, with whom he shared over 24 incredible years of life together.

Born in Savannah, GA on January 10, 1980, Jason was the only child of the late Larry and Chong (Kim) Thomas, who both passed in November of 2025.  He spent the first four years of his life traveling wherever his father’s military service took them.  His mother decided to settle down in Browns Mills, NJ, providing Jason with stability during his school years, while his father returned home as often as possible.  Jason was raised in a home rooted in love, respect, kindness, and patience—values that shaped the deep compassion he carried with him throughout his life.

Following his high school graduation, Jason embarked on an impressive academic journey that led him to a career he truly adored.  He earned undergraduate degrees in both physics and biology from Temple University, and went on to receive his doctorate in biophysics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  He later completed a postdoctoral program at Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA.  During this time, he even pursued a patent law degree at night—simply for fun, and to continue expanding his knowledge.  Jason was deeply compassionate and generous, believing strongly that his work could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.  He dedicated countless hours to his education, driven by a desire to learn all he could in order to better serve others.

Jason met the love of his life, Kristen, toward the end of his undergraduate years, and the two began dating in 2002.  Over the next nine years, they seamlessly navigated a long-distance relationship with unwavering commitment.  They would often travel back and forth across the country, meeting in cities like Las Vegas and Chicago to create lasting memories together.  They also always supported each other’s professional pursuits, attending seminars and presentations for one or the other all over the world, whenever possible.  From the very beginning, their relationship was built on deep admiration, support, and care.

The true pinnacle of Jason’s career was when he went to work for Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research in 2010, where he would eventually become Associate Director of Chemical Biology.  It was during this time that he and Kristen settled down together in Massachusetts, finally building their life under one roof, which only made their bond grow stronger.  Jason was a partner in every sense—someone who not only helped around the house, but many times preferred to, just to give Kristen some time to relax.  He was endlessly helpful and supportive of others’ dreams, often spending his own time researching ways to help those around him succeed.  He mentored countless students and colleagues, and genuinely cared enough to follow up to see how they were doing.  At his core, Jason wanted everyone he met to feel valued, supported, and appreciated.

In his free time, Jason loved being outdoors, especially alongside his beloved dogs.  Whether he was out with them on hiking trails or taking miles long daily walks, those moments brought him great joy and solace.  He also enjoyed cooking and entertaining for his family and friends.  This wasn’t just at his own home though, he was the designated grill master for all family barbeques, and even the mixologist when the party called for it.  Even in busy or chaotic settings, Jason never lost sight of others—he had a special way of noticing those who were more reserved and took special care in making sure they felt welcome and like a part of the family.  Yearly holidays were always marked by Jason’s impressive displays in their yard, especially around Halloween and Christmas.  Neighbors and local kids would come and take pictures with his amazing lights and decorations, which always made Jason feel like his mission to bring joy to anyone and everyone was being accomplished.

In more recent years, Jason wholeheartedly supported Kristen as she pursued a change of career to follow her dream of working with animals.  His capacity for love and compassion grew even further with the addition of their five beloved dogs.  Together, they traveled across the country for competitions, with Jason always having her back—cheering her on and proudly filming her accomplishments.  These experiences brought immense joy to their lives, and the bond he formed with each dog, while watching Kristen thrive, filled him with immeasurable pride. 

At the end of the day, Jason truly led by example just by being himself.  He believed that life was not about status or titles, but rather about how much joy you can bring to others, and that a true legacy is measured in the lives you have touched, not in your own personal accomplishments.  He was selfless, devoted, loyal, and caring to every living being he crossed paths with, and those who were lucky enough to bask in his kindness will never forget the impact he made.

Along with his adoring wife Kristen, Jason is survived by his dear brother-in-law, Dominick Bartoli, III and his wife Brianna Florovito of PA; his cherished niece, with whom he shared a special bond, Delaney Florovito; his loving father and mother-in-law, Dominick and Beverly Bartoli of PA; his beloved aunts and their families, JoAnn (Thomas) Lorance of TN, and Patty Klais and her husband Larry of AK; his devoted friends, Kate Biggar and her husband Wayne Rogers of Medford; his five precious dogs, Dazzle, Prosecco, Champagne, Fireball, and Saint Germain, as well as many other dear relatives, friends, and colleagues.

At the request of his family, a Celebration of Life will be held for Jason at a later date.  Please check the Help Bring Jason Home Facebook page for updated details.  As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jason’s honor to his family’s GoFund Me.