Dennis "DeeTee" Thomas was an American musician and founding member of R&B group Kool & The Gang, remaining with the group for more than 50 years, from foundation until his death. Thomas was an alto saxophone player, flautist, percussionist, and composer. Thomas attended Lincoln High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he met the Bell brothers, Robert "Kool" Bell and Ronald Bell, as well as the other founding members, most of whom, like Thomas, were originally from Orlando, Florida. Thomas died on August 7, 2021 in Montclair, New Jersey at age 70 of natural causes.