Howard R. Thompson, Jr.

Wayzata, MN – Howard R. "Doe" Thompson, Jr., 96, died suddenly on Thursday, May 23, 2024. He was the husband of Gloria Wilcox Thompson and the late June Beaudoin Thompson. Born at home in Winooski, Vermont on November 8, 1927, he was the son of the late Howard R. and Beatrice A. Thompson, Sr. He graduated from Winooski (VT) High School with the Class of 1945. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from St. Michael's College, Colchester, VT, in 1949.

Howard worked for the family business, Thompson's Dairy, following graduation from St. Michael's. He subsequently accepted a position with General Electric as an accountant. Following his employment with General Electric, he was hired by the City of Winooski to work on the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development grant for the Winooski Model City project. He later accepted a position with the U.S. Postal Service and served until his retirement from federal service.

Howard was actively involved in the Winooski community in various capacities. He served on the Winooski School Board and for the former St. Stephen Parish as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Pastoral Council member. He was best known for his contributions to baseball in Winooski. In high school he starred as the team's first baseman. He continued his love of baseball as a little league coach for 12 years and served as a high school and college level umpire for 18 years. He was one of the original six members of the Northern Vermont Umpires Association. In later years, Howard was often seen heading north on I-89 to Montreal with his "EXPOS" license plate and season ticket in hand.

In 1951, Howard married his high school sweetheart June and together raised their five children. After June's passing in 1992, Howard married Gloria Wilcox and the two shared many happy times together and with their families.

Howard is preceded in death by his first wife June and his brother Richard "Dickie" Thompson. He is survived by his wife Gloria, and his five children; Gary and wife D Thompson of Tucson, AZ; Andrea and husband Richard Carlin of Greenland, NH; Richard and wife Jill Thompson of Charleston, SC; Nancy and husband Alan Willette of Alburg, VT; Robert and wife Holly Thompson of Chugiac, AK; six cherished grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sister Joanne Myers of Winooski, VT; and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at Folkestone Senior Living Community, Wayzata, MN for their care and kindness.

Services are under the direction of LaVigne Funeral Home, Winooski, VT. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, July 26, 2024 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. A private burial service is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Winooski Youth Baseball League, c/o Jeffrey Brosseau, 52 Dufresne Drive, Winooski, VT 05404.