September 26, 1939 – September 26, 2024
Earl E. Thompson, of Reading, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on his 85th birthday, September 26, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Flora, for 47 years and had 10 children together. His family and friends will forever remember him as a caring and giving person, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
“Earl,” “Dad,” “Grandpa,” and “Bubba” was proud of the achievements of his children and grandchildren and could always be caught bragging about them. Earl was a General Contractor for over 50 years. He owned and operated his own business, leaving a lasting impact on Boston through his work. He was responsible for the renovation of many prominent buildings throughout the city, including the State House, Boston City Hall, and many police, fire stations, and schools throughout Massachusetts. This was a testament to his dedication and craftsmanship.
Before his construction career, Earl proudly served in the US Air Force for 4 years, where he embodied the values of service and sacrifice. Earl always looked out for the interest of others. Using his extensive knowledge of construction, he was always finding a better and less expensive way for an individual to complete a project. His proudest achievement was the work he did for the Little Sisters of the Poor for over 35 years. A very religious man, he did volunteer work with them to support their mission with kindness and compassion. He was always telling his wonderful stories about work and things that happened on a job, (heard numerous times) those stories will be sorely missed. In addition, to working well into his 80’s, Earl loved to play various card games with family especially with his wife Flora.
He is survived by his wife Flora, and his children; Julie Morin and her husband Paul, EJ Thompson, Jeanne Paganetti and her husband Tom, Scott Thompson and his wife Jen, Derek Thompson and his wife Amy, Laurie Dickens and her husband James, Frank Meninno, Paul Meninno and his wife Laurie, Lisa Theriault and her husband Marc, Julie Meninno and her husband Erich. He was blessed with 28 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Catherine and Earl Thompson, and his sisters (who affectionately referred to him as “Brother”) Rose Shadduck, Eleanor Lubinger and Christine Spada. He also leaves behind his sisters Catherine Bresnahan and Mary Denehy and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Earl’s Family at the wake on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm in the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main Street (RT 28) STONEHAM. Parking attendants and elevator are available.
Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main Street (RT 28) STONEHAM on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Earl’s Eternal Life in Saint Patrick Church, 71 Central Street Stoneham at 10am. Following the Mass there will be an Entombment at Saint Michael’s Mausoleum, 500 Canterbury St. Boston.
In lieu of flowers please donate in Earl’s name to Little Sisters of the Poor c/o Jeanne Jugan Residence, 2999 Schurz Ave. Bronx, New York 10465 or at https://www.littlesistersofthepoor.org/donate
