John T. Thompson, age 51, of Marblehead, husband of Denise (Richard) Thompson died at home, unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 26, 2011. A "Header", he was born Marblehead the son of Hilda (Leavitt) Thompson of Marblehead and the late Robert Thompson. Educated in Marblehead schools, he began to enjoy his passion for fishing with his own boat at the age of 16. Following his graduation from Marblehead High School in the Class of 1978, he turned his passion into a career. For many years he owned captained several boats up to 25 miles off the coast of Marblehead alternating between lobstering and gill netting. His most recent boat was the "Fundy Dawn" which is featured on this year's cover of the Marblehead Community Phone Book.



In addition to his wife and mother he is survived by four children William and Christopher Shinney of Marblehead and Katelyn and Rebecca Thompson of Center Ossipee, NH; a brother Thomas Thompson of Marblehead; three grandchildren Faith and Hunter Willey and Kayden Shinney.



His funeral will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 11:00 AM in the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (cor of North St) Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private. In lieu of flower, memorial contributions may be made to install a bench in his memory overlooking the harbor, c/o his brother Thomas Thompson, 25 Neptune Rd, Marblehead, MA 01945. For online guest book or additional information please call 781 631 8885 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.