Allin Pelton Thompson Jr.

Known to everyone as Al, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, public servant, and proud lifelong son of Harwich. His life was defined by service—to his family, his community, and the town he loved so deeply.

Al was born at Cape Cod Hospital on April 4, 1941, and grew up in Harwich, graduating from Harwich High School. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for four years.

Throughout his life, Al was never afraid of hard work and wore many hats. His career included work as a notary, real estate agent, insurance adjuster, business owner, and property manager. He owned his own sharpening company, managed rental properties for many years, and especially enjoyed his work as a purchasing agent for Robert B. Our Company. Even after retiring, Al found that retirement didn't suit him for long and returned to work full-time.

But while Al had many careers, perhaps his greatest life's work was serving the community he called home.

Al's love for Harwich was reflected in an extraordinary lifetime of public service spanning nearly six decades. Beginning in 1967 with an appointment to the Harwich Parks Commission, he went on to serve in countless elected and appointed positions. His service included the Finance Committee and later its Executive Secretary; the Historical Commission; Harwich's first Charter Commission; and the Bylaw Review Committee.

In 1989, Al was elected to the Harwich Board of Selectmen, where he served three consecutive terms, returning to office in 1992 and 1995. During those years, he also served on the Brooks Academy Museum Commission and the School Superintendent Search Committee.

His commitment to Harwich's future extended deeply into environmental stewardship, infrastructure, and education. He chaired the Citizen's Advisory Committee for the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan, served on the Wastewater Implementation Advisory Committee representing the Harwich Water Department, and was a founding member of the Pleasant Bay Alliance, serving on its Steering Committee for two decades. He also chaired the School Building Needs Committee and served on the Monomoy Regional High School Building Committee.

In the final chapter of his remarkable public service, Al devoted 16 years to the Harwich Board of Water & Wastewater Commissioners, serving at various times as Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Clerk.

He also spent many years shaping the lives of young people as a dedicated Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts. He believed in community, mentorship, and giving back—and quietly lived those values throughout his life.

Whether elected, appointed, or volunteering his time, Al served with extraordinary knowledge, a steady hand, and an unwavering love for Harwich. Over nearly 60 years, his dedication helped shape the community he cherished and left an enduring mark on the town he was so proud to call home.

Despite all his accomplishments and commitments, Al was happiest in life's simple moments. He loved working on his lawn and took pride in making everything just right. He also enjoyed refinishing furniture, patiently bringing old pieces back to life with his own two hands. These were more than hobbies; they reflected who Al was—hardworking, meticulous, patient, and someone who could always see the potential and value in something worth preserving.

Above all else, Al was a family man. He shared his life with his beloved wife, Izzy Thompson, who passed away in October 2025. Their love and partnership were an important part of the fabric of Harwich, and together they were nominated as Harwich Hometown Heroes—a fitting recognition for two people who gave so much of themselves to the community they loved.

Al is survived by his son, Scott Baker and his wife, Shawnee, of North Hampton, New Hampshire; his daughter, Shannon McCarthy and her husband, John, of Mendon, Massachusetts; and his beloved grandchildren, Jack, Molly, and Matthew McCarthy, and Savannah and Seraphina Baker.

Al leaves behind far more than a list of accomplishments or titles. He leaves a legacy of service, hard work, integrity, and love. He was a man who showed up—for his family, his friends, his community, and his hometown. His knowledge, dedication, and steady presence will be deeply missed, but the impact of his nearly 60 years of service will continue to live throughout Harwich.

To those who knew and loved him, he was simply Al—a remarkable man who gave generously of his time, cared deeply about what mattered, and made his corner of the world a better place.

A memorial service celebrating Al's life will be held on October 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Harwich Port, with a collation immediately following at the Harwich Community Center Auditorium. Please join us as we celebrate this remarkable man.