Joseph E. Thompson, 56, of Somerville, MA, died Sunday, June 17, 2007 following a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. Joe was a native of Pawtucket, RI and formerly lived in Arlington, MA for several years. He was the son of Rose. M. (Nadeem) and the late Joseph R. Thompson of Pawtucket.

A 1968 graduate of St. Raphael Academy and a 1973 graduate of Boston University, he was the sole proprietor of Fi-Dough in Boston and Somerville, MA and was active in local politics in Somerville where he served as a member of the Somerville Redevelopment Authority. An accomplished chef and a talented writer, he was a loyal friend and mentor who will be sorely missed by his many admirers.

Joe is survived by his mother Rose M. Thompson, his partner, Tony Membrino, two sisters, Mrs. Rosemarie (Thompson) Powers of Yarmouth, ME and Mrs. Judith (Thompson) Heerlein of Hamilton, MA; three brothers, John M. Thompson of Cumberland, RI, Malcolm E. Thompson of Pawtucket, RI and George R. Thompson of San Rafael, CA. He was an uncle to seven nieces and one nephew.

His funeral will be held Thursday, June 21 at 10am from the MANNING-HEFFERN FUNERAL HOME, 68 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church, 193 Walcott St., Pawtucket at 11am. Burial will be in Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Prospect St., Pawtucket. Visiting hours, Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9pm. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to "Uncle Joe"s Kids for the Arts", PO Box 9111, 342 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145. A memorial event in Somerville will be scheduled for a later date. For guest book and directions, please go to manningheffern .com