Edward H. “Butch” Thompson, a lifelong Norwood resident, decorated World War I veteran, and prominent municipal figure who dedicated decades of service to local civic boards, passed away yesterday at Norwood Hospital at the age of 74. Residing at 9 Gardner Road, Mr. Thompson left a lasting mark on the community through his extensive involvement in local education, planning, and municipal construction.
Civic Leadership and Professional Career
A product of Norwood public schools, Mr. Thompson pursued his higher education at Northeastern University before embarking on a professional career as a surveyor within the real estate division of the New Haven Railroad. Alongside his professional pursuits, he maintained an active presence in town governance, notably serving on the Norwood School Committee for six years. His civic contributions extended to critical municipal bodies, including service on both the town Planning Board and the Permanent Building Committee.
Beyond his municipal duties, Mr. Thompson was deeply engaged in community and veterans’ organizations. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War I, maintaining active memberships in the U.S.S. Leviathan Veterans Association and the Norwood American Legion Post. A dedicated member of the United Church of Norwood, he also held leadership roles as chairman of the Church Council.
Surviving Family and Funeral Arrangements
Mr. Thompson is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Alice (Phalen) Thompson; two sons, Robert E. Thompson of Pownal, Vt., and William A. Thompson of Salem, Ore.; a brother, George M. Thompson of Norwood; a sister, Miss Annie M. Thompson of Norwood; and five cherished grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at the United Church of Norwood, with the Rev. A. Lee Hocutt officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. Visiting hours are scheduled today from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the May Funeral Home, located at 85 Nichols St. In lieu of floral tributes, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to the American Cancer Society.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More In Memoriam Stories
-
In Memoriam: Walter J. “Wally” Hughes Jr. (1947 – July 25, 2026)
Opening Tribute The Norwood community joins the Hughes family in mourning the unexpected passing of Walter J. “Wally” Hughes Jr. on July 25, 2026, at the age of 79. For four decades, Mr. Hughes was a fixture within the halls of Norwood High School, leaving an indelible mark as an educator, counselor, and department leader.…
-
In Memoriam: Principal John P. Piccirilli
Principal John P. Piccirilli guided Norwood High School through decades of academic, cultural, and structural change. His steady leadership, compassion, and commitment to students shaped the lives of thousands. We honor his remarkable legacy and service to the Norwood community.
-
In Memory of Timothy J. McDonough (February 21, 1965 – March 12, 2026)
A Life of Service, Community, and Unwavering Norwood Pride On March 12, 2026, the Town of Norwood lost one of its most dedicated public servants and most beloved neighbors with the passing of Timothy J. McDonough, who died peacefully at home surrounded by his son Patrick, future daughter‑in‑law Melissa, and his loyal companion Bailey. Tim…
-
In Memoriam-John J. Carroll
John J. Carroll 1928-2023 Born to Irish immigrant parents in Boston, John J. Carroll graduated with a civil engineering degree from Northeastern University in 1950. After serving in the United States Army from 1950-1952, he went to work for the town of Lexington as a civil engineer. In 1958, he became Superintendent of Public Works…
-
In Memoriam-James R. Savage
James R. Savage Sr. retired Superintendent of the Norwood Public Schools, died Oct. 25, at Faulkner Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He was 84. He was the beloved husband of Catherine “Kay” (Jennings), treasured father of James Savage, Jr. of Hunt Valley, MD, Steve Savage, Dr. Mary Savage Brown, Cathy Savage-Eysie and father in…
-
Frank Simoni, Prominent Developer, Veteran, and Philanthropist, Passes Away at 80-September 29, 1997
Frank R. Simoni, prominent Route 1 developer, golf course creator, WWII veteran, and philanthropist, passes away at age 80.
-
Former Norwood General Manager John P. Mogan Passes Away at 72-September 16, 1994
John P. Mogan, Norwood’s dedicated general manager from 1972 to 1979 who famously helped secure an $8 million Boston Edison settlement for the town, dies at 72.
-
Friends and Community Mourn Four-Year-Old Kevin McNulty-September 5, 1992
Filling St. Catherine’s Church to capacity, hundreds of family members, friends, and local residents gathered on Friday for an emotional funeral mass to mourn four-year-old Kevin McNulty, who passed away Tuesday following a courageous yearlong battle with leukemia. The 4-year-old’s fight against the disease galvanized the entire community, sparking massive bone marrow donor drives that…
-
Daniel E. Callahan Jr., 82, Former Selectman and Longtime Norwood Merchant-August 8, 1992
Daniel E. Callahan Jr., 82, a lifelong Norwood resident, former town selectman, and staple of the local business community who operated Callahan’s Furniture for half a century, passed away Thursday at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
-
Norwood Mourns and Honors Beloved Coach and Sportswriter Frank Wall-August 10, 1991
Norwood mourned the loss of legendary Little League coach and sportswriter Frank “Sails” Wall, who passed away at age 62 after dedicating 38 years to local youth sports.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.