William Thompson Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

New York, New York

The Stair Climber
Capt. William Harry Thompson never took the elevator. He taught at the court officers' academy on the 12th floor at 123 Williams Street. Every morning, Captain Thompson, 51, would walk up the stairs to the academy. If he went out to lunch, he would climb the stairs to go back to work. When he would take the recruits, most of them less than half his age, out for runs three times a week, they would climb the stairs after the runs were over. He would be the only one not out of breath.

"His physical regimen would make you cry," said Deputy Chief Jewel Williams, of the New York State Courts, who was his commanding officer at the academy.

On the job, Captain Thompson was spit and polish. At 6 foot 2, with a booming voice, he could easily get people's attention. "I know it sounds corny — he gave the appearance of being hard as nails — but he was so easygoing," Chief Williams said. "He was the type that carried family pictures around with him in his wallet and when they opened up, there were 25 different shots."

Captain Thompson was one of three court officers who died on Sept. 11 when they ran to the World Trade Center. His oldest son, Michael, often finds himself thinking about how his father did things. "I have been faced with a lot of decisions to make, decisions that I don't want to make. I pause before I decide and I think about the approach he would take."

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Posting Guidelines|FAQ

I knew him not but he will always be remembered for his deeds

Larne

May 23, 2024 | Bluffton Sc, SC | Significant_other

Hi, my name is Emily. I am a sophomore in high school, and came across your loved ones name. I am truly and deeply sorry for your loss. I don't personally know him, but I can only imagine he was an amazing person. Have the best day.

Emily

September 11, 2020 | Significant Other

I never had the honor of meeting Captain Thompson, but after reading tributes, I wish I had. Like Captain Thompson, I am the Captain of my department. After reading some of the things that have been posted, it brought a tear to my eye to read the similarities between he and I, in regards to his selflessness, the way he seemed to carry himself, and how he would outlast guys half his age.

I am a Law Enforcement officer in the state of Texas, and this year, will be proudly partaking...

Robert Avella

August 28, 2020

I was just looking up my father, William, and came across your story. There is enough I could say about the brave men and women on 9/11, that would be even close to thanking them for their bravery. My heartfelt sympathies to your family, and all those who lost loved ones on that fateful day and beyond. We care!

Laura Welch

August 21, 2020 | Acquaintance

Laura Welch

August 21, 2020

Harry, you where like a brother to me. I remember the day when my brother you and Kenny where on the same Little league team. We would all walk together to the park with our parents to the games. We where neighbor in 1420 and our families were so close! You are truly missed!

September 12, 2018

Deborah Lyles-Anderson

November 16, 2015

Tonight I came across a picture when I was a freshman at St.Olaf College and there was Harry. I wondered what happened to him and other class members and I came upon this tribute. I was so shocked and sadden to hear he died on September 11th. I am a retired World History teacher and I saw the events unfold in my classroom on TV. To my students surprise I said it was probably a terrorist attack. I was in the midst of teaching a Global relations course.
He was an amazing person and a man...

Deborah Lyles-Anderson

November 16, 2015 | La Grange, IL

You remain ever present in my heart. Never forgotten, never. RIP. Much love, "yucca"

Elba Labarrere

September 11, 2014 | West Orange, NJ

Capt. William Harry Thompson

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