Donald L. Thompson of Edgartown and Naples, Fla. died after a long illness on Saturday, April 21, in Naples, Fla. He was 79.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Marie. They would have been married for 50 years this June. He was preceded in death by their son, Perry.

Don was born Nov. 15, 1932, in Highland Park, Mich., and grew up in Chicago. He graduated from St. George’s High School and received his bachelor’s degree from City College of New York.

Don served in the army for two years. He received medals for sharpshooting and good conduct.

He then received his master’s degree from Long Island University. He was assistant professor who taught radiation physics to radiological residents at Kings County Hospital and Downstate Medical Center in New York. Then on June 4, 1972, Don received his doctor of philosophy degree. Don’s contributions to the Bureau of Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration were many and he was asked many times not to retire. He developed and revised the protective action guide for the handling of food contaminated by radiation. He participated in conducting a successful exercise of the federal response plan government-wide and also received the FDA commissioners’ special citation. He received many awards, recognitions, and citations throughout his long and successful career.

Don enjoyed his retirement, which he spent on the Vineyard, and winter months in Florida. He especially loved table tennis and was quite the champion, who won many matches and received many accolades. He was also an avid boater. Most of all, Don was a kind and gentle human being, who laughed easily, smiled often, and loved the life he shared with Marie and his friends. Visiting hours will be held at the family home, 18 Orran Norton Way in Edgartown, on Sunday, April 29, from 2 to 4 p.m.

His funeral mass will be held in St. Elizabeth’s church, Main Street, Edgartown on April 30 at noon. He will be interred in the New Westside Cemetery in Edgartown.

Donations may be made in his memory to Camp Jabowocky, P.O. Box 1357, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Please visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.