Thomas was born in 1966 to Bernie Walsh and Ethel Walsh in Astoria, Queens. Astoria and like many other places in New York City was first home to the indigenous tribe, the Lenape. Thomas was the third of 4 children. 2 of those siblings are from a separated marriage from his mother. Thomas lived in a very strict and grounded home, he was expected to help out and compile with what was told. Growing up in the 1970s life in Queens was full of many challenges and success such as Demographic Shifts but also Industrial Decline. While Astoria has long been known as a diverse neighborhood from various parts of the world, including Greece, Italy, the Middle East, and Latin America. This influx of immigrants added to the neighborhood's cultural richness and diversity. But while the neighborhood continued to grow, The 1970s marked a period of industrial decline in Astoria, as manufacturing jobs moved out of the area or declined in number. This had economic implications for the neighborhood and contributed to changes in its landscape. Overall, the 1970s were a time of change and transition for Astoria, as the neighborhood grappled with economic shifts, demographic changes, and efforts to revitalize and renew its urban fabric.