LARGO,FL_Joseph E. “JET” Thompson, 96, formerly of Largo, FL and Worcester, passed away Saturday, June 9, 2018 in Belleaire Health Care Center, Clearwater, FL. He is survived by his son Lawrence J. Thompson and his wife Kim of Largo, FL; daughters, Carol T. Manning and her husband Todd of Holden, Joanne T. Spradlin of Greenland, NH and son in law Anthony Ferrelli of Stratham, New Hampshire; nine remarkable grandchildren, Karen, Barbara, Tony, Jimmy, Christine, Trung, David, Joseph and Alida; great grandchildren and several generations of admiring nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara (McNamara) Thompson and his second wife, Denise (Aiken) Thompson; siblings Charles J., William J., Thomas F., and Eleanor Thompson and daughter Patricia A. Ferrelli. Joseph was born in Worcester, a son of William J. and Mary L. (McCann) Thompson.
Mr. Thompson was a Physical Education Teacher in the Worcester Public Schools for many years retiring in 1981. He graduated from Commerce High School, received a BS from Springfield College and later received a MS from Boston University. During his teaching career, he also coached football, basketball and baseball. He was instrumental in introducing soccer to the Worcester Public schools and as a credit to this, WPS students now compete for the soccer “JET” Cup.
“Gentleman Joe” was a proud World War II Veteran serving with US Army-Air Corp. As a top turret gunner and B-17 flight engineer, he completed fifty-one missions throughout over Europe. Eager to help others, Joe was known by the nickname “Good Guy”. Most recently, his daily visits to the Hampton Beach and Nubble Light web cams sparked memory sharing emails and messaging with family friends and the community.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018 from DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St., Worcester with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. George’s Church, 38 Brattle St., Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery. A calling hour will be held in the funeral home on Saturday June 16, 2018 from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605. www. worcesterfuneral.com