Obituary of Richard Lee Thompson

Richard Lee Thompson, 93, formerly of Media, PA and then a resident of Glen Mills, PA, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2024. He was born May 29, 1931 in Newark, NJ and was the son of the late Merle J. Thompson and Lois Deming Thompson.

Richard was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Gulden Thompson and leaves his four children: Scott R. Thompson (Maureen) of Downingtown, PA, Lynn T. Anderson (Kenneth) of Downingtown, PA, Robert L. Thompson (Christine) of Newark, DE and Beth T. Dougherty (Timothy) of West Chester, PA, along with his ten grandchildren – Kristin O’Donoghue (Michael); Kevin and Kyle Anderson (Meghan); Megan, Steven (Cassidy), Michael (Emma) and Erin Thompson; Emily and Katie Thompson; Jennifer Dougherty and two great grandchildren – Aidan and Emma O’Donoghue. He is also survived by his sister, Janet McLaughlin and niece Liz Yokubison, both of Park City, UT.

Dick, as he was affectionately referred to, grew up in Detroit, MI and received his BBA and MBA from the University of Michigan in 1953 and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, an academic honor society for top business students. Dick was also a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and was recently recognized with a Diamond Owl Certificate for his seventy-five years as a member of the fraternity.

He proudly served as a Lieutenant in the Naval Supply Corps and was stationed at the Naval Supply Depot in Mechanicsburg, PA from 1953-1956 as War Plans Officer and Aide to Admiral Edson. He was employed by Scott Paper Company of Philadelphia, PA from 1956 – 1987 working in sales, marketing research, new product development and corporate planning during that time. He was also a strategic management consultant for The Thayer Group of Swarthmore, PA for several years  and conducted certification courses for continuing professional education for CPA’s earning credits. In 1987 he was hired by Widener University as the Director of Graduate Business Programs and held this position until his retirement in 1996. He was recently presented with the Distinguished Emeritus Service Award by Widener University for his time and commitment as the Emeritus Director of Graduate Programs in Business. From 1984-2006 he was also an adjunct Professor of Management, teaching courses in the MBA Program at Widener. During his early years, he earned the prestigious honor of Eagle Scout and then later served as scoutmaster and explorer advisor to local troops. He was also a very active member of Reformation Lutheran Church for many years, serving on their Stewardship, Finance and Building Expansion committees, along with serving as an usher. He later became a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester, PA.

During his retirement, he served AARP as a tax counselor, assisting elderly taxpayers with their returns for over 17 years. He enjoyed his weekly golf outings which always included a group breakfast prior to tee time and a stop for ice cream afterwards. He was also a very avid follower of the local sports teams and enjoyed attending Flyer’s games for many years. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren and loved to talk about them. A favorite passion of his throughout his adult life was attending their sporting events, including those of his children and then later his grandchildren. In his later years he kept his mind sharp as a tack with a daily regimen of reading, doing crossword puzzles, suduko, word searches and jigsaw puzzles. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends on Friday, November 22nd from 2pm – 3pm at Calvary Lutheran Church, 730 S. New Street, West Chester, PA. His memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Dick’s memory may be made to: Tunnels to Towers Foundation www.t2t.org  or Willow Tree Hospice, 616 East Cypress Street, Kennet Square, PA 19348.