Howard Thompson, Jr. ’50

Howard Thompson, Jr., Wayzata, MN, died May 23, 2024.

Born at home in Winooski, VT, on November 8, 1927, Howard, also known as “Doe,” graduated from Winooski (VT) High School with the Class of 1945. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Saint Michael’s and worked for the family business, Thompson’s Dairy, following graduation.

He subsequently accepted a position with General Electric as an accountant. Following his employment with General Electric, he was hired by the City of Winooski to work on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant for the Winooski Model City project. He later accepted a position with the U.S. Postal Service and served until his retirement from federal service.

Howard was active in the Winooski community, serving on the Winooski School Board and for the former St. Stephen Parish as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Pastoral Council member.

He was best known for his contributions to baseball in Winooski. In high school he starred as the team’s first baseman. He continued his love of baseball as a Little League coach for 12 years and served as a high school and college level umpire for 18 years. He was one of the original six members of the Northern Vermont Umpires Association. In later years, Howard was often seen heading north on I-89 to Montreal with his “EXPOS” license plate and season ticket in hand.

In 1951, Howard married his high school sweetheart June and together they raised their five children. After June’s passing in 1992, Howard married Gloria Wilcox and the two shared many happy times together and with their families.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria, three sons, two daughters, a sister and extended family including granddaughter Heidi Aufiero ’05, great-niece Chelsea Myers’11 and Chelsea’s mother Lori Myers of the Saint Michael’s Institutional Advancement Office.