Cumberland - Robert (Bob) B. Thompson, 78, of Cumberland, died Friday, February 14, 2025 at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence. He married the love of his life, Bonnie MacLeod with whom he shared nearly 56 years.

Born in Providence and raised in Pawtucket, the son of the late Earl N. and Althea E. (Fowler) Thompson, he had resided in Cumberland for the past fifty-four years. Bob was a proud graduate of Moses Brown School in 1964, continuing his studies at URI and graduating from Mitchell College in 1968. During his college years he also served in the Naval Reserve, honorably discharged after a severe automobile accident left him with lifelong scars.

Bob began his professional career at Grinnell Co. in 1964 in metallurgic research and development. He then proceeded to Columbia Electronic Cable as research sales manager in 1969. Another opportunity brought him to Mercury Wire Products in 1975 as national sales manager, eventually developing a complete computerized cost system. Realizing the forthcoming computer age, Bob went back to school for computer programming, and served as a cost analyst for both Collyer Insulated Wire and Victor Wire for the next several years. His final, and most rewarding employment led him to Meller Optics, Inc., Providence RI, where he worked for twenty-five years, retiring in 2014.

Bob and Bonnie travelled extensively, collecting lifelong friends along the way. Trips included visiting Alaska, Tahiti, the Mediterranean, Scotland and other parts of Europe. They also enjoyed cruising, with his favorite being a trans Panama Canal trip in 2006. His heart however, belonged to Barbados, where he and Bonnie enjoyed 33 years together.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, R. Bruce Thompson, Jr. (Jennifer) of North Smithfield and Neil Thompson of Bristol; and three grandchildren, Alexis Thompson, Devon Thompson and Douglas Thompson, who affectionately referred to him as "Bampie."

His funeral will be held Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM in Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Pawtucket. Family and friends are invited, and may attend visiting hours prior to the service from 10:00 - 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. For directions, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com.