Edward E. Thompson

Edward Thompson, 78, of East Hampton, CT, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. He was born in Willimantic, CT on December 2, 1946, to Earl Harding Thompson and Helen Alice (Marrotte) Thompson. He grew up in Columbia, CT and graduated from Windham High School in 1964. Following high school, he worked at the UConn Creamery. Soon after Ed served in the Air Force from February 1966 to December 1969, where he earned the rank of Sargent. He did a tour of duty in Vietnam with the 60th Security Police Squad. Following his time in the Air Force, Ed was employed as a firefighter by the University of Connecticut in Storrs. He was a First Aid and EMT instructor for the American Red Cross and was a member of the Scotland, CT volunteer fire department for many years. Ed was also employed as a bus driver and trainer for the East Hampton School system until he retired.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Helen, and his older sister Alice Joann (Thompson) Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Donna (Smith) Thompson, his daughter Carrie (Thompson) Deason, his son Brad Thompson, his stepson Michael Klick, his son Kevin Thompson, his daughter Amanda Thompson, and stepdaughter Rachael Martin. He was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Ed had many interests and hobbies, including cake decorating, playing cribbage, riding his motorcycle with The Red Knights, woodworking, and anything firefighting related, especially holiday parades and old firetrucks. He enjoyed working with children and was a Cub Scout leader for several years. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.

A Celebration of Life service will take place on Thursday October 30, 2025 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St, Willimantic, CT 06226. Followed by a burial at Old Willimantic Cemetery, 1390 W Main St. Willimantic, CT. 06226. Flowers or donations to the American Cancer Society can be made in Ed’s name (https://donate.cancer.org/).