Victor Norman Thompson

Victor Norman Thompson, Jr. November 21,1948 – August 19,2026 Victor Norman Thompson, Jr., 77, of Myakka City, Florida, passed away on August 19, 2026, surrounded by his family in Tampa, Florida, after a courageous yearlong battle with cancer. Vic was born in Danbury, Connecticut, into a family with deep ties to the fire service throughout the area. In September 1968, he joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country as a Fire Protection Specialist. He was stationed at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida and attained the rank of Sergeant. After completing his military service in October 1971, Vic returned to Connecticut, where he continued his commitment to serving others as a volunteer firefighter. In August 1977, Vic and his family moved to Plantation, Florida. There, he began a long career as an automotive mechanic, a profession he would dedicate himself to for more than 45 years before retiring. Anyone who knew Vic knew that he could fix just about anything—and that he was always willing to lend a hand when someone needed him. Vic shared 56 years of marriage with his wife, Cynthia (Voelkel) Thompson. Together, they built a large and loving family that became the greatest source of pride and happiness in his life. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his five sons, Victor III “Trae” (Debbie), Sean (Brooke), Brenden (Shannon), Brett (Wendi), and Justin (Denise), his daughter, Cathryn, and his sister Carol Coelho. Vic was the proud grandfather of 22 grandchildren: Judi (John), Stephanie, Jeramiah, Cheyenne, Amiah, Daniel Inglis (Chassity), Caitlynn Borzilieri (Joey), Brianna Thompson, Morgan Schneider (Holly), Chase Thompson (Sabrina), Kristen Swanson (Trevor), Cathy, Kyle Nolan (Stephanie), Brenden Thompson Jr., Jordan Thompson (Bailey), Amanda Kendra (James), Brayden (Kylie), Toby (Serenity), Maci, Sabrena Carey (Brady), Justin Thompson Jr. (Zoe), and Hunter Thompson. He was also blessed with 24 great-grandchildren: Emily, William, Rosalee, Annalynn, Owen and Aurora Inglis, Sophie, Salem and Harley Borzilieri, Hailey, Liam, Braylen, Cameron and Isabella Swanson, Brayden, Kyliee, Malikai and Kinsley Nolan, Layken, James, Bowen and Charlotte Kendra, and Colson and Carter Carey. His extended family included numerous daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and longtime friends who became family along the way, including Tom and Kay Carter, Wayne and Elaine Johnson and Andrea Corona. Vic was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Ethel Thompson; his father-in-law, Gustave Voelkel Sr.; his brother, William “Billy” Thompson; his sister-in-law, Judith Farrell; and other beloved family members, including Melissa Fellows, Jon Voelkel, and James Alvarez. Of all the titles Vic carried throughout his 77 years—Airman, Sergeant, firefighter, mechanic—none meant more to him than Dad, Grandpa, Papa, Uncle, Brother, and Friend. Family was his favorite part of life. He loved being surrounded by the people he cared about, and his door and his heart always seemed to have room for one more. NASCAR came in a very close second—and anyone who knew him might argue that on race day, especially when he was fortunate enough to be at the track in person, it occasionally competed for first place. He attended many races over the years and treasured the memories, excitement, and time spent with family and friends along the way. A private service with United States Military Honors will be held in September 2026. In keeping with one of Vic’s final wishes, a Celebration of Life is being planned around his favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. Vic believed Thanksgiving Thursday should be spent with everyone's own families. Then came what became his tradition—“Thanksgiving Saturday”—when everyone could come together and spend time with him and with one another. This year, Thanksgiving Saturday will mean more than ever. It was one of Vic’s final wishes that his family continue to gather, laugh, share stories, enjoy each other’s company, and simply be together. We will honor that wish by celebrating his life the way he would have wanted: surrounded by family, friends, memories, and love. Vic leaves behind a remarkable legacy—not measured simply by the years he lived, but by the family he built, the people he helped, the friendships he made, and the generations who will continue telling his stories. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Victor Norman Thompson

November 21, 1948 - August 19, 2026