Claude Skeels Thompson, Jr.

HOLDEN - Claude Skeels Thompson Jr, 89, passed away on September 8, 2026, after a brief illness.

Born and raised in Proctor, Vermont, “Skeels” was the son of the late Claude Skeels Thompson Sr and Catherine (Matthews) Thompson. He graduated from Proctor High School and earned his associate degree in business administration from Becker Junior College.

Following college, Skeels began his career in banking as a Teller with Worcester Mechanics Savings Bank and later became Assistant Vice President with Peoples Savings Bank, where he spent the majority of his banking career. He later transitioned into the insurance industry, initially working for Savings Bank Life Insurance and later Paul Revere (Provident/UNUM), before becoming an independent insurance agent, representing many insurers, and supporting his clients well into his 80s.

Skeels met the love of his life Gail Watson through a mutual friend, and the couple were engaged soon thereafter. Skeels and Gail were married at All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester. They made their home in Holden where they raised their family and created a lifetime of memories together.

Skeels loved spending time with family, whether it was fishing with his dad or his sons, bodysurfing in the ocean or swimming in the backyard pool, or taking the camper to state parks and campgrounds across New England. Ever the Vermont Yankee, Skeels liked tinkering around the house on “projects”, often with his sons. Skeels enjoyed maintaining his beautiful gardens, playing in his weekly golf league, and taking daily walks around the neighborhood to exercise his dogs or to chat with neighbors. He was an avid New England sports fan and kept up on all of the four major sports teams; he particularly loved the Red Sox and trips to Fenway and Polar Park. He also cherished his trips with Gail to Bermuda, to Canada, to Hawaii to celebrate their 50th anniversary, and to Florida to visit family.

Skeels was passionate about being of service and helping others. He was a longtime active member of the First Congregational Church of Holden, volunteering as a board member, deacon, treasurer and bbq chicken chef at many Holden Day events. He was a Master Mason of Rufus Putnam Lodge and a member of Aleppo Shriners and Scottish Rite. He loved to be part of his sons’ activities and organizations as they were growing up, volunteering as treasurer of his sons’ local Boy Scout troop and coaching many of their youth baseball teams. In addition to his volunteer efforts, Skeels was a devoted caregiver. He expanded his home to his mother-in-law Phyllis and brother-in-law Dick, and he was a dedicated formal caregiver for Dick for 20 years.

Skeels will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 66 years, Gail (Watson) Thompson of Holden; his children, Jeffrey and his wife, Jennifer, and their daughters Caroline and Julie; Scott and his wife, Pamela, and their children David and Michelle, her husband Evan, and their daughter Riley; and Todd and his wife, Emily, and their sons Matthew and Ryan; his brother, George Thompson; his niece Brooke and nephews George Jr. and Steve; along with many extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, Skeels was predeceased by his son, Keith Thompson.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Skeels' family during a period of Calling Hours on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Holden, 1180 Main Street, Holden. Interment will follow at Grove Cemetery in Holden. 

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the First Congregational Church of Holden, 1180 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520 or to the Shriners Children's Hospital, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.