Robert Sheldon “Whitey” Thompson, 81, of Simsbury, beloved husband of Norma (Novak) Thompson, 80, died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 7th, 2023. He was born February 24th, 1941, in Warren, OH, son of the late James Robert and Florine (Pierce) Blake; he lived in Simsbury for the past 50 years. “Whitey” was a graduate of Ohio Northern University, class of 1963, receiving his bachelor’s degree in political science and a Juris Doctorate from Ohio Northern University in 1966. Mr. Thompson was passionate about his career in Financial Planning having worked at Equitable Life for 25 years and then as the President of Sage Financial Design in Simsbury for the past 40 years. He was a member of the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce, the National Committee on Planned Giving, and the Planned Giving Group of Connecticut; he also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Philanthropic Planners and a founding member of National Advisors Trust Company. He was currently a board member of SCTV. Whitey enjoyed watching sports of all kinds especially his children’s and grandchildren’s. He also enjoyed vacationing in Siesta Key, FL and Naples, ME. He loved spending quality time outdoors kayaking with his son, Rob. He was an avid tennis player, Hartford Whaler hockey and UCONN basketball fan. He had a knack for being the life of the party and making everyone around him feel special.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, he is survived by his children: daughter, Christy Neagle and husband John of Simsbury, daughter Tracy Arnold and husband Kris of Simsbury, daughter Leigh Pierini and husband Doug of Superior, CO, son Rob and his wife Jenn of Simsbury, and daughter Tammy O’Brien and husband Ken of Simsbury. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Samantha (Arnold) Andreoli and husband Tom of West Hartford, Jordan Arnold of Denver, CO, Jake Arnold of New York City, Peter Neagle and wife Samantha of Hartford, Brian Neagle of Hartford, Mary Rose Neagle of New York City, Kaitlyn O’Brien and Matthew O’Brien of Simsbury, Mia Pierini and Dominic Pierini of Superior, CO. He adored his grandchildren and made each of them feel like the favorite. He also leaves his brother Dale and wife Jill of Knoxville, TN and brother Randal Blake of Calhoun, GA.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 15th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce, 730 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070 or to Simsbury Community Television, 754 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070. Please visit Whitey’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.