Edward Thompson

WOODSTOCK, CT - Edward J. Thompson, 67, formerly of Leicester, died after a long battle on Monday, Sept. 13, 2010, at UMass Memorial Medical Center - Memorial Campus. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 46 years, Kathleen (Snay) Thompson; two children, Cheryl A. Thompson and her wife Wendy of Eastford, CT, and Joseph E. Thompson and his wife Melissa of Woodstock, CT; a sister, Janice Thompson of Chinle, AZ; four grandchildren, Michael, Jonathan, Mackayla, and Joseph Jr.; and his mother-in-law, Donna M. (Wood) Clark of Leicester. He was predeceased by a brother, James Thompson of Leicester. He was born in Worcester, the son of the late Arthur I. and Marie D. (Robidoux) Thompson, and lived in Leicester, Oxford, and Webster, before moving to Woodstock, CT, seven years ago. He graduated from Leicester High School in 1961. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in West Berlin. Mr. Thompson and his son owned and operated JT's Appliance in Webster and Woodstock, CT, for over 20 years. Previously, he installed carpet and flooring in Worcester and the surrounding area. He was known to many as "Handsome Ed" and was cherished for his sense of humor, willingness to help anyone, and kindness to all. He was a terrific husband and will be missed dearly by all. A funeral will be held on Friday, Sept. 17, 2010, from Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Roch's Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Burial will be at a later date. Calling hours are Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, from 5-9 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.