Robert “Bob” “Red” Edward Thompson, 89, passed away on October 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a life defined by devotion, hard work, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those he loved most.

Born on July 11, 1937, in Waterbury, Connecticut, Bob was the son of Harold Thompson and Helen (O’Reilly) Blinn. Known affectionately as “Red” by many friends because of his bright red hair, Bob embodied a generation that believed deeply in the values of hard work, humility, loyalty, and family. Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, and the proudest “Poppy” his grandchildren could ever ask for.

Bob shared an extraordinary marriage of 66 years with the love of his life, Yvonne (Sefa) Thompson. Together, they built a life centered on family, sacrifice, laughter, and unconditional love. Their partnership created a home where everyone felt cared for, protected, and supported.

He was the proud father of Yvonne Thompson Slowik and her husband Rick, Patricia Magrin, and Francis Thompson. Nothing brought Bob greater joy than his role as “Poppy” to his beloved grandchildren, Hayley Magrin, Erica Magrin, and Ricky Slowik. Whether it was helping purchase a first car, fixing something around the house, mowing a lawn, offering advice, or driving countless miles to support his children and grandchildren at events and activities, Bob was always there. There was simply nothing he would not do for his family.

Bob spent more than 50 years at The Republican-American newspaper in Waterbury. Beginning as a young apprentice in the pressroom, he worked his way through the ranks to become a journeyman and ultimately retired as the respected pressroom foreman. His remarkable work ethic and quiet determination helped provide a wonderful life and education for his family.

One of Bob’s favorite family stories began when he was just 16 years old, working at a local gas station. As he was closing for the evening, a stranded man approached asking for help after running out of gas. Rather than turning him away because the station had already closed, Bob reopened the station, drove the man back to his car, and filled his tank. Grateful for the kindness, the man handed Bob his business card and offered him an opportunity at the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. A few weeks later, Bob followed up on that opportunity, beginning a career that would span half a century. It was a story that perfectly reflected the kind of man Bob was: hardworking, humble, generous, and always willing to help someone in need.

Outside of work, Bob enjoyed camping, traveling, attending horse races in Saratoga Springs, New York, and especially his lifelong love of cars. He proudly owned a 1957 Ford Thunderbird that won numerous awards at car shows over the years. Bob also possessed a rare gift for being able to fix and figure out just about anything, a skill that became legendary among family and friends alike.

In 1962, Bob and Yvonne purchased their first home in Waterbury’s East End, where they raised their family. In 1985, they moved to Prospect, Connecticut, where Bob personally completed much of their home and spent more than 35 wonderful years surrounded by neighbors who became lifelong friends. In recent years, Bob and Yvonne enjoyed their home at Elim Park in Cheshire.

Bob will be remembered as a good and decent man whose greatest accomplishments were never measured by titles or possessions, but by the love he gave to his family every single day of his life. To those who knew him best, he was simply the “Chief” of the house; steady, dependable, loving, and always there when needed.

Bob leaves behind his beloved wife, Yvonne Thompson of Cheshire; his children, Yvonne Slowik and her husband Rick of Cheshire, Patricia Magrin of Darien, and Francis Thompson of Branford; and his cherished grandchildren, Hayley and Erica Magrin of Stamford and Ricky Slowik of Cheshire, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615 South Main St., Cheshire, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Bridget of Sweden Church, 175 Main St., Cheshire, CT. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery, 2324 East Main St., Waterbury, CT.