SOUTHBURY — Raymond Thompson Jr, 82, passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Son of Raymond Thompson Sr and Dorothy Murphy Thompson, Raymond “Duke” was born in Bridgeport, Conn., in 1939 and grew up in Fairfield, Conn. After graduating from Roger Ludlowe High School, he joined the United States Marines. He was assigned to many teams during his time with the Marines including working with the British Commandos. He completed two tours in the Middle East and was honorably discharged.

He came home and joined the Newtown Police Department where he served for 33 years. He worked for several of those years with the State and Federal Narcotics Task Force.

Ray completed both a Bachelor’s Degree of Science as well as a Master’s of Science Administration at Western Connecticut State University.

Ray was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Southbury. He loved to do volunteer work for the church community and the Knights of Columbus, serving four years as Grand Knight. In his spare time, he enjoyed golf and vacationing with his family.

Ray is survived by his brother, Ronald Thompson, and his wife, Marcy, of Ansonia; his children, Elizabeth Santora of Shelton, Scott Thompson of Norwalk, Chris Thompson and wife Kim of Woodbury, Christine Thompson of New Haven, Megan Stadalnik and husband Kenneth of Southbury, Kevin Thompson of Woodbury, and Michael Thompson and wife Vanessa of Bend, Oregon — and was taken excellent care of by his previous wife, Beth Thompson.

He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called him “Poppy.” He loved to spend time with them. Grandchildren are Nicoletta Roach of Shelton, Holly Roach of Orlando, Sierra Thompson of Sweden, Alexis Samuels of Southbury, Jack Thompson of Woodbury, Reese and Max Stadalnik of Southbury, and Elijah and Kian Thompson of Bend, Oregon. Great-grandchildren include Jayden Neal of Shelton and Mia Kilmurray of Southbury. Ray was happy to know he had another great-grandchild on the way as Sierra is pregnant.

He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Thompson, of Fairfield.

Arrangements have been made through Carpino Funeral Home in Southbury. Calling hours will be from 4 to 6 pm on January 6, 2022, at the funeral home, 750 Main Street South in Southbury. Burial will take place the following day in a private service with military honors at the Connecticut State Veterans’ Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus, Council 5066, 910 Main Street South, Southbury, CT 06488.

To leave a message of remembrance, please visit carpinocares.com.