Frank Lawrence Thompson "Larry"

CABOT- Frank Lawrence Thompson "Larry" (USN, CWO3, Ret.), 88, of Cabot, VT passed away in his home December 22, 2018. Born September 21, 1930 to Crow and Mable (Pierce) Thompson in Burlington, VT. Larry, as he was known, graduated from Cabot High School in 1948. He attended UVM and enlisted in the US Navy in 1950. On October 23, 1954, he married Marie Juliette Sylvain in Skowhegan, ME. In 1974, after 24 years in the Navy, he moved to Cabot and become a Master Plumber. Many in Cabot will remember him as the bus driver with the most orderly behaved students.

He is predeceased by his siblings, Clifton, Marie (Gay), Kenneth, and Leonard (Jack). His paternal uncles, Dude, Harry, and his aunt Betty. His maternal aunts Peg Abbott, Hazel Carpenter and uncles Clifton and Hilton Pierce.

He is survived by his wife Marie of 64 years and their 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Their children are Frank Larry Thompson and his wife Elaine Ibey of Barre, VT, Valerie Gay Thompson of Lebanon, NH, Marla Ann Simerly of Montpelier, VT, and Patrick Jon Thompson and his wife Lori of Mystic, CT.

While in the Navy his first ship assignment was the USS Ware (DD-865), then he volunteered for submarine service. He served aboard the USS Sea Leopard (SS-483), USS Razorback (SS-394), USS Sarda (SS-488), and the USS Nautilus (SSN-571) where he served as Chief-of-the-boat (COB). He also served on the USS Chanticleer (ASR-7) in San Diego, CA and was a Plankowner on the USS Downes (FF-1070) in Long Beach, CA.

While serving he received the Navy World War II European Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Navy Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vermont Distinguished Service Medal, Vermont Veterans medal, and the Connecticut Service Medal. After 50 years of being “qualified in submarines,” he was inducted into the Holland Club.

During his time on shore duty as a Navy Recruiter he devoted much of his time to the Cherokee District Camping Committee, Columbia County, and the Ohio Explorer Scout Program. The district named the annual Larry Thompson award to be given in his honor.

During his life in Cabot, Larry was the director of the July 4th Color Guard and Memorial Day honor guard. He was part of the committee that created the Cabot Monument Honoring Cabot WWI and WWII veterans, and then later, he helped add names of veterans of Cabot that served in Korea and Vietnam. He also served as an EMT for Cabot ambulance and as a volunteer fireman. He also served as the Cabot Town Service Officer and president of the PTA for Cabot School. In 1999 he was presented the Cabot School Alumni Association award and in 2000 he received the Cabot School/Community Service Award.

A memorial service will be held Saturday May 18, 2019 at the South Woodbury Church, South Woodbury, VT at 11 am with burial to follow with military honors at the South Woodbury Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Larry’s memory to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice at 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641-5369.

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