John Thompson

John was born in Inwood, New York on August 17th, 1946. He was born to Douglas and Bridget (Corr) Thompson, immigrants from Stoke-on-Trent in Central England and Toombridge, Country Antrim, Northern Ireland respectively, and was the youngest of their five children (Vincent, Dolly, Mary and Joe). Highlights of John's childhood include fishing in Central Park, box car racing down the streets of Upper Manhattan and being fiercely protected by his older brothers. John joined the Coast Guard, a decision that would take him to the Philippines then home again just before the Vietnam War. He joined the FDNY with Engine 84 / Ladder 34 on West 161 st Street "Where Harlem Meets the Heights", and would later regale his children and grandchildren with stories from back in the hey-day. In his later years, the FDNY transferred him to the fireboats and Bayside, Queens where things were a bit quieter, but his heart was always with Engine 84. During the 70's and 80's John lived on Long Island, and life centered on the FDNY, fishing, family, talking about fishing and figuring out a way to go fishing again. There were also toga parties, ski trips and Disney, family gatherings with Aunts, Uncles and cousins, Fishtales Charter Service, cheering at Tim's hockey games, Saturday morning pancakes, bacon and cartoons, watching NY Giants, Rangers and Yankees games, Irish music, loud and terrible singing, stray dogs and cats who found a home at 59 Sagebrush Lane, and Spring trips to the Florida Keys with his fishing buddies. John's idea of interior decorating included massive hammerhead sharks mounted on the living room wall and other fish themed treasures. He loved talking to everyone and anyone, hooky days spent fishing with his kids, probably too much beer, and could always be counted on to lend a hand. We remember seeing him cry twice during these years: when his mother, Bridget, died and when the Rangers won the Stanley Cup. John retired from the fire department in 1991 and spent several years working part-time jobs between New York and Florida, before eventually realizing his long-time dream of moving to the Florida Keys full-time. He initially lived a full-throttle life of partying and fishing, but over the next twenty years, John would live an increasingly quiet life in the Keys (as far as he let on anyway!), cheering his children on through college, travels and building lives of their own. He would tell everyone that his kids were his best friends, but this was only partially true. Everyone loved my Dad, and throughout his life our friends became his friends. Highlights during this time include several trips back to Ireland, summers in Montauk (before it became "full of dammed hipsters"), and hosting many friends in the Keys. John became a grandfather "Pop Pop" for the first time in 2009, and during the next 11 years developed a very close relationship with each of his four grandchildren, Barrett, Ryan, Norah and Nolan. His favorite memories with them consisted of - you guessed it - fishing, but also an epic family trip to Disney, telling stories, several stints as an emergency "Supernanny" and watching them open Christmas and birthday presents, which he would always tell them was his mom's favorite thing with her grandkids too. He spent his final years enjoying his quiet life in the Keys, watching the manatees in the backyard, sunset, going out on his friend Tim's boat, reconnecting with nieces and nephews, hosting visitors, and driving for Uber for pocket money and fun conversation. Always an early riser, you could set your watch by his morning routine of coffee and the newspaper. John had heart and pulmonary health challenges during all of these years, but he kept trucking, unintentionally fooling everyone into believing that he would live forever. On Friday, February 12 th these challenges would ultimately overtake him, and he died suddenly and quietly, in his comfy chair at home. As far as we can tell, his last words that morning (via text) were a joke about a boat. Of course. John will be remembered for his generosity, love of laughter and storytelling, appreciation for nature and beauty, and, above all, his love for his family and friends. He leaves his children, grandchildren, friends and family with these life lessons: Never leave fish to find fish Always cheer for a good play, even if it's for the other team and your friends don't approve If you think you have it tough, walk a mile in someone else's shoes Be nice to everyone, regardless of their race socioeconomic status or differences Talk to strangers; they are only strangers until they become friends The first warm day of Spring is Hooky Day Learn to laugh at yourself, early and often God is everywhere, not just in church Most of life success is about being "good and lucky" Respect Mother Earth (he was an environmentalist in the 70's and would chase down drivers who threw McDonald's bags out their windows!) Never leave the stadium early, even if your team is getting walloped and you're going to sit in traffic for hours 1 million photos of sunsets and fishing trips are not too many