Waldiman Thompson, 91-Year-Old Killed In Bed-Stuy Home Invasion, Remembered As Dapper-Dressing Family Man

FORT GREENE, BROOKLYN — A 91-year-old man killed during a home invasion in Bed-Stuy last week was memorialized in a funeral service Friday morning – just as news broke that police were questioning a "person of interest."

“What a blow we received with your passing,” said Dr. Alison Watkins, the granddaughter of Waldiman Thompson who died on Oct. 11 after four men shoved their way into his Decatur Street home and tied up him and his 100-year-old wife, Ethlin.

“The screams we bellowed, the disbelief that we lost you this way,” Watkins said, looking down over her grandfather’s casket. “I wrestled with the thought that you died alone."

Emergency responders found Thompson lying unconscious on the floor of his home after his wife escaped her ties and called police. Thompson was rushed to Kings County Hospital but doctors were unable to save his life.

(Ethlin Thompson, Waldiman Thompson's 100-year-old widow, was escorted out of the Hanson Place SDA Church after her husband's funeral Friday. Photo by Kathleen Culliton)

His wife came with family and friends to the Hanson Place Seventh Day Adventist Church at 88 Hanson Place to memorialize a man described as a master builder and a dapper dresser who was devoted to his family.

“He really had some love and compassion,” said Thompson’s son, Delroy Thompson. “My father had some great life.”

Thompson’s son recounted memories of his childhood in Jamaica, where his dad helped his first wife, Carmen, launch a hair salon by designing and building all the equipment she would need – including straightening combs and curling irons.

When Thompson wasn’t tinkering with some new invention or working as a machinist, he could usually be found out dancing, teaching his son how to box or hunting down a hard-to-find book, said his son.

“He would go to Timbuktu to get a book that was not in the shop,” Delroy Thompson said. “He always made sure food was on the table and books were available.”

The congregation broke into laughter when Delroy Thompson recounted his father’s habit of writing his name on everything he owned, including a broom he indignantly reclaimed from a Bed-Stuy neighbor.

“Please don’t be fooled,” said Delroy, his smile fading. “I’m just trying to be strong for my family.”

(Several photographs of Thompson with his family were featured in the program at his funeral.)

Watkins spoke about how much her grandfather loved his large, extended family and the pride he took in their accomplishments. When Watkins told Thompson her two daughters were learning to play piano, she said he was thrilled but said one instrument wasn’t enough.

“Add the guitar, man!” he said. “The guitar is a good instrument.”

Watkins was tearful when she said her last goodbye. “Rest in peace, Grandpapi. We love you.”

Public Advocate Letitia James also joined the family and read a letter of condolence from Mayor Bill de Blasio to Thompson’s widow.

“Your husband’s memory will never be forgotten,” the mayor promised in his message.

While family members mourned Thompson inside the Fort Greene Church, police announced they were talking to somebody in relation to his death.

"I feel some sense of relief, said Watkins when she learned a suspect was in police custody. "But it's not going to bring him back.”

“We feel cheated,” she said. “There are no words.”

Photos by Kathleen Culliton and courtesy of the Thompson family