Capt. Dick Thompson died peacefully surrounded by his loving family in his home on Saturday, August 15. He was 88.
Dick was born in Rockland, Maine, son of Rear Admiral John W. Thompson, a former Mass Maritime Academy Superintendent, and Marguerite Ritchie Thompson. He graduated from Barnstable High School in 1944 and from Mass Maritime Academy in 1947. He served in the Navy during the Korean War on the USS Worcester. Dick’s maritime career included travels around the world in the merchant marine, general Manager of Nantucket Boat in Hyannis, and owner/captain of the New Bedford/Martha’s Vineyard ferry m/v Manisee and Schamonchi.
Dick’s tie to the Island dates back to the late 1880s when his grandparents met here and fell in love. He and Laurie lived in Oak Bluffs for many years. They enjoyed meeting their friends at the Oceanview every Friday night and loved spending many days on their beach in Gay Head.
Dick is survived by his wife Laurie (Hadley) Thompson, son Richard Thompson Jr. of Thailand and his wife, Maleerat, David Thompson and his wife Louann of Waldoboro, Maine, Carol Hess and her husband, John, of Oak Bluffs, Susan Thompson of Centerville, Linda Thompson of Marstons Mills, and Brian Thompson and his wife, Betsey, of Osterville. He is also survived by his two step-daughters, Windsong and Harmony Hadley, grandchildren Tiare, Nathan, and Chelsea Hess, Gracie Mullen-Thompson, Zach and Alex Thompson, great-grandchildren Olivia Hess, Leo and Devon Derry, many nieces and nephews and his beloved dog Toto. Dick was predeceased by his brothers Robert and Donald.
A celebration of Capt. Dick’s life will be held Sun. Sept. 20th 2 PM to 6 PM at the VFW in Fairhaven at 109 Middle Street. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mass. Maritime Academy Alumni Sea Term Scholarships, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 03252.