Hugh Robert Thompson

Hugh Robert Thompson, 70, of Erie, passed away on December 31st after a short illness but a long and fulfilling life. He was proceeded in death by his daughter, Lauren Thompson, parents, Hugh and Elizabeth Thompson, two older sisters, Marjorie Mellor and Florence Thompson and a younger brother, Ronald Thompson. Survivors include his wife of 47 years and best friend, Kyle O’Sullivan Thompson, a son, Corey Thompson (Sara), a daughter, Hannah Dudenhoefer (Austin), a granddaughter, Quinn Lauren Dudenhoefer and an older sister, Shirley Dine (Robert). 

Hugh was born on October 8, 1954, in Bellevue, Pennsylvania. He was the 4th child and first son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Simpson) Thompson. A lover of history, our dad was proud of his family’s long past in the United States with family having first set foot in Pennsylvania when it was still a British Colony. Hugh was the 8th consecutive generation to bear that name with family members fighting in the war for independence and for the Union Army in the Civil War. As a young boy in Erie, our dad would share stories of how they would go down to the bay when Navy ships would dock on occasion and tour them. Remembering how his dad, who welded landing craft for the Navy in Pittsburgh during World War Two, would scrutinize the welds and tell him what was good, bad, and horrible. The water and Lake Erie formed a strong connection early on with our Dad. Growing up in a household that owned two wooden hulled boats he shared how it was his responsibility to ensure the hulls were protected and everything was in “ship shape”. The responsibility did have its privileges however. Once, after overhauling the twin 283s, our dad got to go out on Presque Isle Bay and open them up to full throttle – to test them out. Reporting back that they “really moved”.

After graduating from Strong Vincent High School in 1972, our dad entered Gannon University – class of 1976 - finishing with a B.S. in Accounting and proudly becoming the first member of his family to complete college. Not long after graduation, while working as an insurance salesman, he met the lady who would be the love of his life – our mom, Kyle O’Sullivan. Our mom was not a native Erieite but rather from Fredonia, New York. A blind date would turn into a lifetime commitment and they were married in Fredonia on November 26, 1977. A memorable day for many reasons including the blizzard that descended on the area that day. Bride and groom settled in Erie and began to build their life together. Our dad loved our mom with all his heart – together they raised 3 children in the one and only home they ever owned together. Creating their family would not come easy but with hard work and determination they were able to create the life they always wanted. Their first child was born in 1985, 8 years into their marriage and wanting another would need help from Cleveland Clinic. Finally in 1991, after numerous 5am trips to Cleveland, they were thrilled to welcome their first daughter. I can still remember spending many mornings in the hospital cafeteria with my dad, eating what I thought was the best breakfast around - he usually stuck with coffee. Then in 1994, to everyone’s great surprise including their own, their second daughter arrived – sometimes that’s how it goes.

Throughout his life our dad had many passions but one which stands above all others would be golf. A lover of the technical aspects of the game, he worked in the industry for 12 years coaching and helping countless men and women pursue their love of the game. His own passion for the sport never left him. 

Retiring in 2022 our dad enjoyed the simpler things in life – walking his dog in the mornings, coffee on the porch with our mom, watching their favorite TV show in the evening before heading to bed.

Throughout his life, our dad instilled in us values that continue to guide us today. He taught us to laugh and always maintain a sense of humor. To pay attention to the little things and do the job right – no one but our dad could spend an entire weekend cutting the grass on a 1/8 acre lot. Perhaps most importantly he taught us to persevere in the face of adversity and setback. Through job loss and uncertainty, he taught us to gain the strength needed to overcome any setback. Together with our mom, he was able to withstand the worst challenge a parent can face – the loss of a child - when their youngest daughter passed away in 2011 from a car accident. Our parents drew on the strength they did not know they had as they were tested in ways few people ever will be. 

Friends are invited to call at the Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown, 602 W 10th St., on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 11:00 A.M. until a 1:00 P.M. Memorial Service. Burial to follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery. 

Taken from his family too soon - our dad truly lived a full and rich life. His memory lives on in those who knew him and those he touched in his life.