Brian W. Thompson

Brian W. Thompson, 77, of Amherst and most recently Hopkinton and Chatham, MA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 22, 2024.

Brian grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts, graduating from Amherst Regional High School in 1964. He earned a BS from West Virginia Wesleyan College and an MBA from Western New England University.

Brian began his five-decade banking career at Shawmut First Bank in Springfield MA, eventually becoming President by the age of 40. He later joined Pelham Bank and Trust Company as President and CEO, leading it until its sale in 1996. He continued his career at First Essex Bancorp and later at Commerce Bank and Trust Company, retiring in 2018.

A respected leader in his field, Brian served on many industry and non-profit boards, including the United Way of Central MA. He valued supporting local communities and encouraged others to be generous with their time. He received much recognition for his leadership and service.

Brian is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marilyn (Bates) Thompson, and their three children: Laura (Matt Colleran) of Hopkinton; Mark (Natalie Telfer) of Toronto; and Matthew (Sarah Blank) of London, UK. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Taylor, Teddy, Tucker, TJ, Riley, Jack, and Kennedy. He is also survived by his sister Joanne Allen of Naples, FL, and brother-in-law Larry Bates (Dottie) of Wareham. He is predeceased by his parents, Richard and Marjorie Thompson of Amherst.

Brian loved his work, community, friends, and above all, his family. He never missed his children’s or grandchildren’s events, cherishing time spent with them. His Chatham house became a special gathering place for family.

He loved golfing and was a member of Chatham Seaside Links and Cranberry Valley Golf Course. Brian also enjoyed following the Red Sox and Chatham A’s, reading the morning paper with a coffee from Cumberland Farms, relaxing on a hot beach, taking boat rides on Essex I, and spending time with friends. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and selflessness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UMASS Memorial Health in support of the Cancer Center of Excellence (Leukemia designation) at donate.umassmemorial.org.

Calling hours are Thursday, August 1, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Douglass Funeral Home, Amherst, MA. A Celebration of Brian’s Life will follow at 3:00 PM at the Inn on Boltwood, Amherst, MA.