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BORN
1946
DIED
2024
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Brian Thompson Obituary
Chatham, MA - Brian W. Thompson, 77, of Amherst and most recently Hopkinton and Chatham, MA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 22, 2024.
Brian grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts, graduating from Amherst Regional High School in 1964. He earned a BS from West Virginia Wesleyan College and an MBA from Western New England University.
Brian began his five-decade banking career at Shawmut First Bank in Springfield MA, eventually becoming President by the age of 40. He later joined Pelham Bank and Trust Company as President and CEO, leading it until its sale in 1996. He continued his career at First Essex Bancorp and later at Commerce Bank and Trust Company, retiring in 2018. A respected leader in his field, Brian served on many industry and non-profit boards, including the United Way of Central MA. He valued supporting local communities and encouraged others to be generous with their time. He received much recognition for his leadership and service.
Brian is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marilyn (Bates) Thompson, and their three children: Laura (Matt Colleran) of Hopkinton; Mark (Natalie Telfer) of Toronto; and Matthew (Sarah Blank) of London, UK. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Taylor, Teddy, Tucker, TJ, Riley, Jack, and Kennedy. He is also survived by his sister Joanne Allen of Naples, FL, and brother-in-law Larry Bates (Dottie) of Wareham. He is predeceased by his parents, Richard and Marjorie Thompson of Amherst.
Brian loved his work, community, friends, and above all, his family. He never missed his children's or grandchildren's events, cherishing time spent with them. His Chatham house became a special gathering place for family. He also loved the Red Sox and Chatham A's, the morning paper, a coffee from Cumberland Farms, a hot beach, boat rides in Essex I and time spent with friends.
He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and selflessness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UMASS Memorial Health in support of the Cancer Center of Excellence (Leukemia designation) at donate.umassmemorial.org.
Calling hours are Thursday, August 1, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Douglass Funeral Home, Amherst, MA. A Celebration of Brian's Life will follow at 3:00 PM at the Inn on Boltwood, Amherst, MA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Thompson
6 Entries
Neighbor
August 21, 2024
Marilyn...... I´m so sorry to learn about Brian´s passing. He was always so friendly n positive every time I saw him. You were great neighbors n we were sorry to see you go. I´m sure you´ve added a lot to the Chatham community. What a loss. Be well. We wish you all the best Marilyn during this difficult time.
Paul and Jane Lyons
Dennis/ Leeds
Liz Robitaille
August 11, 2024
Marilyn and family, my family and his were friends for many years and know what a great family you all had. I have been through this with Chuck. You are in my thoughts Liz
Pamela Allen
August 1, 2024
I was so proud and honored to have you as an uncle. We hadn´t seen each other in years but I always thought so highly of you and you were always in my heart. A truly great man who was taken too soon
Jeff McGuire
July 29, 2024
Brian and I became friends playing golf at Cranberry Valley on Mondays! Enjoyed his talks on baseball etc. We won a few weeks ago and he was playing very well! RIP
Stacy Flores
July 28, 2024
My sincere condolence to the Thompson family. I had the pleasure of working for Brian at Commerce Bank for many years. He was a great guy. He will be missed!
Stacy Flores
Nancy Hamel
July 27, 2024
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of Brian. He was always an affable guy with a twinkle in his eye and a kind word to all. HIS generous spirit will be missed by all who knew him.
Nancy & Paul Hamel
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Memorial Events
for Brian Thompson
Aug
1
Calling hours
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Douglass Funeral Service87 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002
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