LACONIA ---- Sherman 0. Thompson passed away peacefully with family in his home on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
He was born in October 1931 to Annie (Trask) and Bernard Thompson in Laconia, NH. As a child, Sherm enjoyed family gatherings at his favorite home on Avery Street, especially on Sundays for family dinner and singing hymns together while his mom played the organ. The strength of Sherm's faith began early and played a large part throughout his life.
He attended Laconia schools, graduating from Laconia High School, Class of 1951. He enjoyed his class gatherings that still meet regularly for meals and fellowship to talk about family, friends, and days gone by. After high school in 1952, Sherm joined the NH National Guard for four years.
In 1954 he started his firefighting career at the Water Street Station and Central Station as a firefighter and mechanic for Laconia Fire Department for 12 years, reaching Deputy Fire Chief in 1964.
Sherm was heavily involved with the Laconia Local 1153 eventually serving as President for two separate terms. He left for the Gilford Fire Department in 1966 serving the Gilford community for 10 years. In 1968 Sherm was promoted to Chief and helped grow that department as the community expanded. Sherm spent over 20 years serving the Lakes Region as firefighter, mechanic, EMT, union representative, trainer to other firefighters, and was appointed to the NH Governors Council on Energy. He eventually retired in March 1974.
He enjoyed working on cars and trucks even at a young age, working at the local Oldsmobile garage. It was no surprise that after leaving the fire department, Sherm started his second career, Sherm's Taxi, in 1980. Sherm took pride in maintaining his taxi and limo fleet and once again serving the local area residents until his retirement many years later.
Sherm is predeceased by his parents, his brother Daniel Thompson, his son Peter Thompson, and his longtime companions Midnight and Rookie. He is survived by his beloved wife Annette (Genest) Thompson, his sister Donna and Dr. David Jermiah and their family, children Randy Thompson, Dennis and Jayne Thompson, and Tammy Thompson, and stepchildren Donald and Claire Graham, and Lisa Graham. He has 11 grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.
A Fireman's walk through will be held at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St, Laconia on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 4:00pm.
Calling Hours will be held from 4:30pm-6:00pm in the Carriage House at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home,164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH.
A private family and friend service will take place Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 1:30pm at LifeQuest Church, 115 Court Street, Laconia, NH.
Donations in Sherm’s name would be greatly appreciated to the following organizations; Laconia Professional Firefighters Association, 848 N. Main St., Laconia, NH 03246, Gilford Professional Firefighters Association, 39 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH 03249, Granite VNA, 30 Pillsbury Street, Concord, NH 03301and LifeQuest Church, 115 Court Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.