In Memoriam: Longtime Sea Bright Resident Roger Thompson, 86

“Roger took pride in his three children and his four grandchildren and their accomplishments. Roger enjoyed living life to the fullest. He owned horses, loved fast cars and boats, appreciated a good cigar, enjoyed champagne, and he believed that you should cherish the time you have with family and friends.” ~ family of Roger Thompson

Longtime Sea Bright resident and owner of Thompson’s Hardware, Roger Renold Thompson, formerly of Miami, FL and Nutley, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his children, on the morning of Sunday, May 7. He was 86.

Raised in Nutley, Roger made lifelong friends from kindergarten that he held dear to his heart throughout his entire life.

After helping his parents run a motel in Miami, he moved to their summer home in Sea Bright.

“While in Sea Bright he constructed the fabulous life that he led. He met his wife, Neta, he started a family and opened Thompson’s Hardware in Little Silver. In 1970, Thompson’s moved to Shrewsbury where it became a unique place to go. It was the original information highway. Roger loved to ask unending questions, would offer his opinions, and oh,
you could also get hardware.
Roger, along with his father and children worked by his side to expand the home in Sea Bright on the Shrewsbury River where he and Neta threw many legendary parties. You never would know what the attire might be with Roger — a cowboy hat and boots, a top hat, a white suit, or his famous bathing suit choices.
Roger and his boats all had their own tales — the Jolly Roger, the Catamaran, the Hot Tamale and on any given Sunday, Roger could be seen wreaking havoc up and down the Shrewsbury in his speed boat the Challenger. Fine dining was his ultimate joy in life, as he loved meeting new people. A Roger Thompson experience included linens on the table, fine China, champagne, the best restaurant owners, waiters and waitresses.
Be prepared to spend four hours or more with Chez Roget.”
Loved ones of Roger Thompson in his obituary

Roger is predeceased by: his wife, Neta (Harvey); and his parents, Cecilia (Verstraete) and Renold Thompson.

He is survived by: his children, Tracy, Mark and Robin; his grandchildren, Rebecca, Kelsey, Allie and Cooper; and his brother, Robert Thompson (Karin).

Visitation will take place on Thursday, May 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. at John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. Roger’s “last rodeo” will be at Buona Sera, 50 Maple Ave., Red Bank, immediately after the visitation, from 4 to 6 p.m..

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home