Obituary of Joseph John Thompson

Joseph John Thompson, 84, of Howell Township passed away peacefully with his devoted and loving wife by his bedside on October 31, 2012 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Joe was born in Bronx, N.Y. on November 28, 1927 to John and Erna Thompson. In 1954 he married Rita Jean Dufour and moved in 1957 to Howell, NJ. Joe worked for Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company in their corporate offices from October 2, 1945 until retiring on October 2, 1987. During retirement Joe and Rita enjoyed traveling. They went on many cruises, took a trip across country and took part in many activities with the Howell Senior Club. He was acting treasurer for a number of years. Joe was a member of the New Jersey Society of Mayflower Descendants, was a member of the Free & Accepted Masons of New York and served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Over the years Joe assisted many people in The Villages with landscaping and “handy man tasks”. He was always willing to help others and was a friend to many. He enjoyed attending many activities his grandchildren were involved in. He could be seen watching softball games and other events and really enjoyed spending time with his family. Joe enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading, being with his loving wife and family. Joe was especially known in the neighborhood for walking his “best friend” Chip, a black lab. Joe was predeceased by his parents, John and Erna Thompson; his sister-in-law, Patricia Thompson, and a nephew John Westerholm. Joe is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Rita Dufour Thompson; his loving daughter, Joyce Forte, Howell; his devoted son, John and his wife Terry, Freehold; and his loving daughter Linda Boylan, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Joe leaves behind his adoring grandchildren, Rita (Nikki) and Chris Kincaid, Kerianne Thompson, Jenna Lynn Forte, Michael and Leigh Ann Boylan, and Ann Marie and Frank Errickson, and his one great grandson, Elijah. He is survived by his brother, Richard Thompson; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Margaret Thompson; his sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Arthur Westerholm and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Services are private. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his name to Howell Township Senior Services, PO Box 580, Howell, NJ 07731. Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold is in charge of arrangements.