Dr. Dr. Robert H. Thompson, III III

Dr. Robert H. Thompson, III, 72, beloved father, brother, veteran, physician and friend to all, passed away of an apparent heart attack on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where he had resided since 2012.

Robert, who preferred to be called Bobby or Bob, spent his formative years in Linden and Westfield, New Jersey. In high school he was a cross-country runner, and a member of the 1000-mile Runners Club. Bob was the third Robert H. Thompson to graduate from Westfield High School. His grandfather, Robert Sr., was the first African American graduate from Westfield High School in 1916, followed by his father, Robert Thompon, Jr. in 1941.

After graduating from Westfield High School in 1971, he matriculated at Howard University in the College of Arts and Sciences. Not one to waste time, Bob finished his medical school prerequisite coursework in just 3 years and was accepted for enrollment in the Howard University College of Medicine in 1974. While enrolled at Howard Medical School, Robert became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Theta Tau Chapter, and received his medical doctorate (MD) degree in 1978. Dr. Thompson, a board- certified Internal Medicine Physician, practiced medicine for 43 years in Cleveland, Ohio; St. Croix, Virgin Islands and Westchester, New York. Affectionately known as "Dr. T," he retired from Open Door Family Medical Center in Ossining, New York in December, 2024.

As a mature adult, Bob enlisted in the US Virgin Islands National Guard and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served two tours of duty at Camp Liberty, Baghdad, Iraq as an army physician in an area designated as an " imminent danger" zone. During his time in the military Bobby distinguished himself and received many awards including the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

Throughout his adult life Bob remained athletic and physically active. He swam, rode a bicycle, and continued to be a runner, even participating in the St. Croix Half Iron Man sprint in 2006. Nature was his calming influence and his sustenance. He enjoyed walking his dogs in the woods for hours and watching birds, flowers, and forest animals. Bobby found joy standing at his "old school" charcoal grill no matter the weather, mastering the art of superbly cooked barbecued ribs and chicken, which he topped off with his delicious homemade barbecue sauce. He had already prepared the sauce for an upcoming family barbecue at the time of his passing.

Bob made many friends wherever he went. He was known for his kind, gentle and open heart. He will be well remembered for his generous spirit and never forgotten.

Dr. Robert H. Thompson lll is survived by two children: Stephanie Elaine Thompson, a healthcare attorney in Los Angeles, CA, and Robert H. Thompson, IV an infectious disease outreach program manager in St. Croix, VI, whom he reared with his former wife, Justa "Tita" Encarnacion. He leaves behind his older sister, Freida Thompson, MD (Linda Ferreira), niece Elizabeth Thompson (Miriam Giardina) and grandnephew Davis; an older brother Steven

Thompson (Lucy), niece Stacia McCoy (Sean) and their children Benjamin and Madeline, and nephew David Thompson (Stephanie) and grandnephew Joshua; special friend and former father-in-law, Luis "Negro" Encarnacion and members of the Encarnacion and Lang Families. He will also be mourned and celebrated by countless friends, professional colleagues and patients.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Dr. Robert and Freida Thompson; grandparents Dr. Robert and Pansy Gates Thompson; Dr. Benjamin and Ruth Jackson; his aunt Gene Thompson Smith; former mother-in-law Doris Elaine Encarnacion and former sister-in-law Maria Antonia Encarnacion.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 9:30 A.M. at Memorial Funeral Home in Fanwood, NJ. A livestream of Bob's funeral service will be available at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82954953290.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to:

Save the Whales, 14040 Reservation Road, Salinas, CA 93908