Obituary of William M. Thompson

William M. “Chill” Thompson, 66, of Albany and formerly of Lansingburgh, peacefully entered eternal life on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Samaritan Hospital in Troy.

Born in Watervliet, NY, he was the son of the late Clifton Samuel Thompson and Barbara Sheffield Thompson,

William affectionately known as “Bill” or “Chill” by his family and friends attended St. Augustine’s Elementary School (Troy, NY).  He went on to graduate from LaSalle Institute (Troy, NY) where he played basketball and Manhattan College (NYC) where he earned his bachelor’s degree.  Shortly after graduating he returned to the Albany/Troy area where he lived for the remainder of his life.

Mr. Thompson was employed by ABM in Albany and had previously retired from Hudson Valley Community College.

Bill will be remembered for his quiet strength, loyalty, resilience, warm smile and calm spirit. His personality was one of a kind and his presence brought joy and happiness to those around him. From the moment he came into the world he was always a happy, inquisitive young boy who enjoyed photography, drawing, and playing basketball.  He was an avid fan of the reigning NBA Champions, the NY Knicks!!

Bill was predeceased by his loving grandparents Britt and Elise Sheffield and James and Hannah Thompson and his uncles Lewey and Larry Sheffield. He leaves to mourn his brother Ricky Thompson (Betty) of Albany; sister Cynthia Thomas, (Warren) of Atlanta, GA; sister Andrea Little (Derrick) of Mascotte, FL; nieces and nephews Ashley Thomas, Brittany Little, Jason Little and Taylor Thomas; cousins Nadine Sheffield, Ronald Sheffield, Allyn Hill, Michelle Hill, cousins/special friends Lorenzo Davis and Wesley Carter; Sue Abbos and Christine Lewis and numerous others that were special in his heart. Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.  His life and memory will forever be cherished. May he rest in peace.

Relatives and friends are invited to the John J Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Avenue (at the corner of 115^th Street  and 4^th Avenue in Lansingburgh) on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, for Visitation from 1pm to 2pm and to be followed by a celebration of life from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club at 501 Fourth Avenue, Troy, NY 12182.

The family of the late William M. Thompson wish to convey our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for your thoughtful condolences.  The outpouring of prayers, emotional support, calls and cards has been overwhelming. May God continue to bless and protect you always.

Donations can be made to either the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club or the Peter G Young Foundation

Special Appreciation to Mike Manupella, James “Jimmy” Bulmer and the Joseph G. Manupella Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club.