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Michael Thompson Obituary
Holyoke, MA — It is with a sad heart that we announce the passing of our brother, Fr. Michael (Damien) Thompson.Following a long battle with cancer, Fr. Thompson succumbed on March 4,2022 in Louisville, KY.
Born on July 28,1933 in Holyoke, MA to the late Michael and Agnes (Igelski) Thompson, he attended Holyoke schools and was a graduate of Holyoke High School.
He lived an interesting life committed to the ideal that "God is all you need".
Fr. Thompson was ordained a Maryknoll priest but lived most of his life and is best remembered as a Trappist Monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Bardstown, KY. He lived a quiet life of prayer and made many friends as retreat master. In 2000 he was elected Abbot, spiritual leader of the Abbey, a position he maintained until his retirement.
Left to mourn his passing are his sister, Barbara Fessler of Bellevue, WA, brother John (Peggy) Thompson of Florence, MA, nieces and nephews Dianne, Mark (Marlin), and Jeff (Christine) Fessler of WA, Holly (Chris) Irving and Kelly Thompson of AZ and Christopher (Jenn) Taft of Easthampton, MA. Fr. Michael also leaves behind his dear cousins, Joanne (Wally) Kluza of South Hadley, MA and Rosaline (Mel) Kennedy of Bakersville, NC.
Following a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am on Friday April 22, 2022 at Our Lady of the Cross in Holyoke, MA, Fr. Thompson will be laid to rest in Mater Dolorosa cemetery in So. Hadley, MA. CZELUSNIAK FUNERAL HOME IS IN CHARGE. Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Thompson
4 Entries
Paul Lariviere
February 21, 2024
I knew Fr. Michael (as we knew him) since before he was ordained. Our parents were good friends. I also attended seminary about the time he was a new priest working at that time in Louisiana. When he heard I left seminary at his parents anniversary party, he grabbed my suit coat and 'growled' "get back in there!". I never did, but tried to find a way to keep in touch. I failed, but remembered a man that could have become a close friend. His brother john was at Marist at that time.
My sympathies to john and Michael's family. May God, the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, bring peace to you and keep you safe!
I apologize for this long overdue note. I had just found his info today.
Rev Sally McClain
April 16, 2022
As a Seminary student I took our Youth Group to the Abbey. It was there that I met Fr. Damien. I was invited to have an Ordination Retreat in May of 1988. Fr. Damien, as I knew him, became an advisor, a mentor and a friends. He walked me with through the AIDS epidemic and countless pastoral concerns. I have saved many of our correspondences. Some day I hope to go through the letters between the monk/the priest/the Abbot and the Protestant female minister. I will always remember that he baptized our grandson. I found great strength as he served as my Spiritual Advisor. I would love to be present at his service. I will be there in spirit with you and the many who share in your grief.
Richard J Weber
April 6, 2022
When I was the archivist at Gethsemani I took this photo of Abbot Damien Thompson in his office. He requested that it be his official abbatial portrait. May he rest in peace.
Br. Peter Nault
April 4, 2022
Fr. Michael marched to the beat of a different drummer. His lifelong journey toward the God of his pursuit will grant him the eternal peace he sought. May he rest in God´s loving embrace,
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