This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Rahsaan Blake Thompson, 38, of Madison died suddenly on May 14. He was born in San Francisco, California, son of his loving mother Rev. Kathleen Thompson and the late Eric Thompson.

He is survived by his stepfather Rev. Ray Kostulias; his loving Uncle Carl and Aunt Dottie Blake of Fountain Valley, California; his loving Aunt Karen Blake of East Haven; and his cousins Michelle Blake Todd, James Blake, Carl Blake III, Lauren Bilello, and Tricia Mignosa. He was predeceased, just one week ago on May 5, by his loving maternal grandmother, Margaret Vitale.

Rahsaan and his mom moved to Madison when he was 12 from the San Francisco Bay Area. He was well known in Madison, having attended Brown Middle School and Hand High School. He had a smile for everyone. He was open-minded, cared deeply about the world, and was a very spiritual person. He and his mom had long conversations about all the different ways to experience God. He trusted God would help him out of his battle with substance abuse.

Everyone he met seemed to instantly like Rahsaan. He had a wide circle of friends who will miss him terribly. He was a kind, caring, and compassionate person, not one to judge others or be small-minded. He enjoyed writing as well as performing music and was in a number of local bands. He loved to watch movies and then critique every aspect of them. Recently he was in school to become a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. Having attained sobriety, he felt called to help others. Even though a relapse took this kind soul from us, he still helped many people with his thoughtful support and guidance.

Rahsaan was raised most of his life by his single mother, Kathleen. The bond between Rahsaan and Kathleen can never be broken, not even in death. She is devastated beyond measure. The family has asked friends to honor her privacy at this time. Cards or notes can be sent to his mother Rev. Kathleen Thompson, c/o Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven, CT 06512. Funeral arrangements will be private. Donations may be made to the Silver Hill Hospital Scholarship Fund, 208 Valley Rd., New Canaan, CT 06870. For his online obituary, please visit www.Clancy-PalumboFuneralHome.com.