William Thompson Obituary

William "Bill" Edward Thompson, a cherished presence in Dalton, passed away peacefully at home on October 6, 2023 surrounded by the warmth of his loving children.

Born in Pittsfield on April 30, 1931, son of the late Charles F. and Ethel D. Murray Thompson, he was a 1949 graduate of Pittsfield High School where he left a mark as an exceptional swimmer and football player. After high school, Bill proudly served his country during the Korean War, enlisting in the Navy on August 7, 1950 and serving with unwavering commitment until his honorable discharge on June 4, 1954, his service adding another layer to the remarkable tapestry of his life.

For an impressive 34 years, Bill was a lineman and foreman for Western Mass Electric Company, side by side with his best friend and twin brother, the late James B. Thompson. Earning the nickname, "Ape," for his tenacity climbing poles, Bill's legacy extended far beyond his professional accomplishments. He had an extraordinary gift for mentoring, nurturing and connecting with countless individuals drawn to his warm and magnetic spirit.

Bill was, in every sense, a Master of All Trades. A man who asked little of others and could turn his hand to anything - from electrical work to plumbing, construction to mechanics, gardening to painting - Bill's ingenuity knew no bounds. His generous resourcefulness reverberated amongst his wide web of friends, earning him the nickname, "Mayor of Dalton" amongst his children. What set Bill apart was his singular ability to make everyone feel like the most important person in the room, even amidst a sea of friends.

An avid fisherman, the great outdoors was Bill's sanctuary. Equally adept at reeling in a catch or carving out a home from a Peru hillside, his heart beat in harmony with the Berkshires. He dedicated years of service to the Dalton Conversation Commission, tirelessly protecting the natural world he loved. Bill was most at peace by the water, with fishing rod in hand and cherished company close by.

Bill's talents also extended to the realm of music and entertainment, where he found an early calling. For years, he and his brother Jim, known as "The Thompson Twins," lit up stages in Berkshire County, calling square dances and serenading audiences with their harmonious (and often hilarious) country routines. Bill never encountered a dance floor untouched by his vivacity, and he could always be relied on to liven up a room with a round of spoons, his polka dancing or his comedic talents. He also captivated parishioners of St. Agnes Church with his powerful voice from the choir chambers.

Bill was a lover of life who greeted each new day with the firm belief that it would be a great one. His indomitable spirit carried him through countless health challenges, including electrocution; battles with breast, prostate, thyroid and skin cancers; numerous heart attacks; and a pulmonary embolism. Doctors knew him as a medical wonder, a man with an infectious sense of humor and even on his weaker days would quip, "I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in." He had a razor-sharp memory and his large, loving family would gather around him, eager to savor every tale. In his final days, Bill had a profound moment of clarity and declared, "what a wonderful life I've had!"

Bill's beloved wife of 54 years, Martha, passed away on March 31. He is survived by his nine children: Elizabeth (Daniel, M.D.) Cappon of Watertown, NY; Charlene (Keith) Jerome of Pittsfield; Melissa Anne Thompson of Hinsdale; Denise Staubach, Lisa (Billy) DiNicola, and Billie-Jo (Matthew) George of Dalton; Kim (Scott) Raymaakers of Pittsfield; The Honorable Richard (Michelle) Bartolomei of El Cajon, CA; and Patricia (Geoffrey) Freeman of Arlington, VA. He is also survived by his brother Jack (Shirley) Thompson of West Palm Beach, FL, and his 25 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his sister Ruth (Rudy) Sondrini, and brothers James (Mary) Thompson and Charles (Barbara) Thompson.

A celebration of life will be held for close family and friends on October 21st at 3:00 pm at the First Congregational Church in Dalton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dalton Fire Department in memory of William Thompson and mailed to Dery-Foley Funeral Home, 890 E. Main St, Dalton, MA 01226.