Richard Roy Thompson

Rick Thompson of Belmont died at home on December 29, 2024 holding hands with his wife and son. Rick demonstrated courage and grace as he endured challenging health conditions for over seventeen years. He was the beloved husband and companion of Mary Ann DiRoberts and cherished father of Andy Thompson. For many years, Rick worked evenings and weekends while caring for Andy, running the household, cooking nightly family meals, and doing the dishes so his wife could rest. His late mother-in-law Mary thought Rick was quite a prize for her daughter. Rick is also survived by his dear sister Jill Thompson, loving in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins-in-law, and close friends Joelle and Henri Andre. Born in Newton, NJ, Rick graduated from Juniata College and was drafted into the army in 1970. He served in Germany as a medical specialist in a field hospital for two years. Rick then worked for many years as Lab Supervisor at National Health Labs in New Jersey. In 1983, Rick graduated from the Muscular Therapy Institute (MTI) in Cambridge, MA and became a member of the faculty, where he taught Anatomy, Physiology, Massage Technique, and advanced courses and workshops for many years. Rick also worked as Director of MTI from 1987-1990 and had a private practice in massage therapy with a particular focus on helping people with injuries and pain issues. Rick loved sailing, horseback riding, gardening, long walks, and visits to Knoll Farm in Vermont. A Memorial Gathering will be held at Stonehurst in Waltham on Saturday January 11th (https://stonehurstwaltham.org). Arrival begins at 11:30 with coffee/tea available, the service begins at noon, and lunch will be served following the program. Relatives and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the hospice that assisted Rick, Good Shepherd Community Care (https://gscommunitycare.org), or a charity of your choice.

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