Obituary of Allan J Thompson, Jr.

After eighty-one years of living life to its fullest, Allan James Thompson Jr. died at home surrounded by his loving family. He was deeply committed to his wife and children, and he was the cornerstone of their lives. Allan James Thompson Jr., the eldest of four children, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 22, 1934 to Prunetta Hill Thompson and Allan Thompson Sr. He embraced the role of being the big brother, protector, and provider throughout his life, starting in early childhood. He was educated in the Philadelphia School System, and he graduated from Simon Gratz High School. With the encouragement of his wife, he became a non-matriculated student at LaSalle College. On June 30, 1956 Allan James Thompson Jr. and Meryl Hill were united in holy matrimony, and they recently celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary. This union was blessed with two children, Marc Edward and Marcia Leslie, both of whom loved their dad dearly. In the early days of his marriage, Allan entered the Marine Corp, and he served his country in active duty for two years. The discipline, the commitment to success, and the confidence he gained during this time shaped him for the rest of his life. Nothing was impossible, he would always say, "I can handle anything. I was a Marine". Allan poured himself into his work and worked long hours to provide for his family. As a young man, Allan worked for a dry-cleaning business and as a taxi driver. The work he was most proud of was his job as a longshoreman (or as he said, a stevedore) on the piers of Philadelphia. It was a grueling, physically laborious and often a dangerous job. Despite that, he always came home with a loving smile and a kiss goodnight. Following his retirement from the waterfront, Allan worked as a security officer in a low-income housing complex. It was there that his benevolent characteristics benefitted many of the residents who were often struggling to survive. Allan was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He was fiercely loyal and a dedicated husband. Having fallen in love as a young man, Meryl was forever the love of his life and the center of his world. Every day he showed her and his children the depths of his unending love. He was lovingly called Uncle Junie by his nieces and nephews, who sought him out for laughter and love. Even as he faced numerous health issues, his concern for his family and their wellbeing was central. Nurturing his family was fundamental to his character. While he was exceedingly devoted to all those that he loved, he always embraced others who may have needed love. He was known to buy anyone in need a hot cup of coffee, a meal and offer words of encouragement. No person was a stranger, he was just someone Allan had yet to engage in conversation. His Christian values were manifest in his care and concern for others. He navigated the world with a cheerful, positive outlook. Allan had many hobbies, and he was passionate about all of them. When he was young, he began boxing for self defense but quickly found he was a natural. He immersed himself in the boxing world and in martial arts. He was an avid reader, proudly boasting that, "I have read everything in print". He loved playing pool, and he loved teaching his children how to put the correct spin on the cue ball. He also enjoyed going to the gun range, and he could easily take out the center of any target. He did not hesitate to pass on these skills to anyone interested in learning. He also loved driving, and he cherished his Buick Roadmaster. Allan could often be heard saying that he lived with no regrets, having done everything he wanted in life. He prided himself in knowing that he was always there for his loved ones. It is that sentiment which reflects his legacy of quiet dignity and unyielding devotion. Allan was predeceased by his parents, Prunetta and Allan Sr., his brothers Donald and Malcolm, and his sister, Shirley. Left behind to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Meryl, his children Marc and Marcia, many nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends. He was greatly loved, and he will be sincerely missed.