Thomas Baroi

Thomas Baroi

March 13, 1948 – December 4, 2025

Thomas Baroi, 77, passed away on December 4, 2025, at SSM Saint Anthony Hospital. Family and friends were faithfully by his side during these last few months. Those who knew Thomas can attest to his character and faith in God. He was thoughtful with his words and was the absolute best at giving advice in any situation. He was truly a man of wisdom and expressed it well through such a kind heart. His compassion for others came so naturally that it was conveyed both personally and professionally.

Thomas was born March 13, 1948, in Barisal, Bangladesh. He is the son of Joseph Dinobondhu Baroi† and Rosa Josoda Baroi† (Howlader). Thomas was the oldest of six children: brothers James Dillip†, Charles Dipok, Francis Salil†, Edel Bard† and sister Roena†.

He graduated from St Alfred’s High School in Padrishibpur, Barisal. After that, he went on to earn his HSC from BM College in Barisal and attended Rajshahi University’s Medical College, obtaining his MBBS degree in 1972. At that time, Rajshahi Medical College was only one of four medical colleges in Bangladesh.

Thomas continued working as a physician for the next twenty-two years in government, non-profit and private organizations. In 1988, he co-founded Bangladesh Rehabilitation and Assistance Center for Addicts (BARACA), the first drug treatment and rehabilitation center in Bangladesh. BARACA continues its mission to this day. During this period, Thomas also engaged in Public Health educational work, primarily dealing with the AIDS epidemic. As a result, he travelled worldwide and became a key voice representing Bangladesh.

In 1994, Thomas relocated his family to the United States, eventually settling in Edmond, Oklahoma. He attended the University of Oklahoma, receiving a Master of Public Health (MPH) in 2000 and then worked in public health for several years. In 2002, he received a Master of Science (MS) from Langston University focusing on Rehabilitation Counseling and spent the last twenty plus years following his passion as a counselor.

He married Anima in 1977, they celebrated their 46th anniversary in 2022, before her passing on January 23rd, 2023. Thomas is survived by his son, Julius and wife Rojoni (Costa) of Edmond, OK; grandchildren: Joseph and Ezekiel; son, Dr. Romel Baroi and wife Dianna (Glaze) of Edmond, OK; brother Charles Dipok Baroi of Khulna, Bangladesh, and numerous other relatives in Bangladesh and abroad.

Services will be held Friday, December 12th, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (900 S Littler Ave, Edmond, OK 73034) beginning with a viewing at 11:30 am followed by Catholic mass at 1:00pm.

Interment is to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery at 2:30 pm.

Reception will be at 17800 Prairie Sky Way, Edmond, OK 73012 (Rose Creek Neighborhood).

Click here to watch the livestream of the service.