Rye Lifer is a MyRye.com series that introduces you to people that have spent their lives in Rye – people who have grown up in Rye, worked in Rye, come back to raise their family in Rye. Do you know someone we should profile for Rye Lifers? Tell us.
Today meet Peter Thomas. Thomas is the head coach of the Rye High School Varsity Hockey team.
Rye Lifer: Peter Thomas
MyRye.com: Why are you a Rye “Lifer”?
Thomas: I was born at United Hospital in Port Chester and spent my entire life growing up in Rye. I am the third generation of my family to live in Rye. After college, where to live was never a question for my wife, Pamela (then girlfriend) and I. She is from Princeton, NJ and when I introduced her to Rye, NY she fell in love with the town that holds such a special place in my heart as well. We knew that we wanted to raise our three children, Lexi, Anabelle, and Bryan in Rye as well.
Tell us about the street in Rye you grew-up on.
Thomas: I spent my entire life growing up on Horton Street. With Playland Ice Casino quite literally in my backyard, there really was no question as to why I spent almost all of my free time on the ice.
Where in Rye do you live now?
Thomas: Ironically, I now live on the same street in Rye that I grew up on. However, not in the same house. My childhood home is still owned by my mother who still lives in it which is nice because since I am just down the street, it is easy for me to check in on her.
Who was your favorite teacher at Rye High School and what year did you graduate?
Thomas: I graduated from Rye High School in 1993. I absolutely loved my time at Rye High. The school was much smaller then and I had some very memorable teachers who left an impact on me. Mario Sax was a terrific Social Studies teacher whose passion was infectious. In addition to him, my hockey coach, John Zegras was someone who left an impact on me. I continue to stay in touch with him to this day.
Where do you work in Rye and what do you do?
Thomas: After college I worked in finance while I was earning my masters degree in economics but that wouldn’t last. Shortly after finishing my first masters, I went back to school to get a masters in education because I knew I wanted to teach. I began substitute teaching at Rye High while I completed my course and also became the assistant ice hockey coach. I have been part of the Social Studies Department and teaching AP Macroeconomics since 2008 and in 2014 I took over as Head Coach of the Ice Hockey team. I could not ask for more. As the saying goes, if you do what you love then you never have to work a day in your life and I don’t feel like I have worked since I started teaching at Rye. Rye High School is such a special place. We have the best people and students around.
What in your view are the two or three greatest Rye traditions—current or past?
Thomas: Some might call me biased for saying this but I don’t think anything tops Rye Hockey games at Playland Ice Casino.
[Also]
- Hockey games at Playland
- 4th of July Fireworks
- Holiday decorations in town
What about the great Rye institutions—community organizations, shops, restaurants. Which ones are or have been part of the Rye fabric?
Thomas: I really miss some of the old stores on Purchase Street that I would frequent as a child like TD’s Smoke Shop and The Sports Cellar; everyone would go there. Nowadays, my favorite places are food locales like Jerry’s Post Road Market for a chicken cutlet, Sunrise Pizza for good conversation with Alex and the best Buffalo Chicken and Chicken Scarpariello slice of pizza around, and of course, The Rye Road House for a bowl of Big Joe’s Jambalaya!
Thanks, Peter!
