George W. Thompson

George is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Deborah (Doyle) Thompson, his son William and daughter-in-law Katie; daughter-in-law Justine Thompson; sisters Carol Rossi (Jeffrey), Sandra McSorley (Dan), and Clare Thompson; sister-in-law Denise Allocca and brother-in-law Richard O’Rourke; many loving nieces and nephews; and his eight adoring grandchildren Jacqueline, Emily, Madison, Kelly, William, Abigail, Patrick, and Molly.

He was predeceased by his parents, Evelyne and Edward Thompson, his sister Gail O’Rourke, and brother James Thompson. George's heart was broken in 2008 when he lost his oldest son, NYPD Sergeant Edward "Ned" Thompson, who was a first responder to the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001, and died tragically from a 9/11-related cancer.

A graduate of Our Lady of Good Counsel grammar school and St. Peter’s Boys High School, he was a member of the high school’s basketball team. He had a wonderful childhood growing up on Staten Island and as the oldest brother was a true role model and source of strength for his younger siblings, who loved him very much and will always miss him.

George earned a degree in Business Administration from Villanova University. At Villanova, he played on the men’s rugby team and was supported by his adoring wife, Debbie, and young son, “Fighting Ned,” who was the team mascot. The Thompson family’s roots on Staten Island date back even before the early part of the last century, when his great grandfather founded James Thompson & Sons. This successful family business led to the construction in 1924 of Thompson Stadium, famously known for hosting the match-ups between their home team, the Stapleton Stapes, and the New York Giants.

George got his start in construction through this family business, building a remarkable career, culminating in his becoming president and chairman of Tilcon, NJ. George was extremely devoted to his family and known for his strong work ethic, starting his days in the very early morning and arriving home late in the evening. He would often spend his commuting hours on the phone with Debbie or one of his sons.

Outside of work, George was an avid fan of the Giants, Yankees, and Villanova Wildcats. He loved to watch games with his sons, wife, friends, and grandchildren, and was a Giants season ticket-holder. But the events he was most excited to watch were his grandchildren’s, often traveling hours to attend track meets, swim meets, soccer games, and football games.

Family and friends were always welcome at George and Debbie’s home in Sea Girt, where they loved hosting dinners, poolside barbeques, and sleepovers. George was the first to celebrate the people he loved and the one they turned to when they needed guidance. George’s friendships, many spanning decades, are a true testament to his loyalty and devotion to those he loved. He was a father figure and a strong presence in the lives of his sons’ countless friends. George was known by all to raise a glass with a full heart and misty eyes, thanking everyone for simply being there.

George is remembered lovingly by his grandchildren, who recall his early childhood tales told as bedtime stories. He spent countless, treasured hours with them playing in the pool, taking early morning drives to pick up doughnuts and newspapers, and enjoying summer evenings together at Jenkinson's Boardwalk. George was immensely proud of his grandchildren and loved them with all of his heart.

George was a true gentleman and will be dearly missed by all who knew him for his kindness and generosity.

Funeral Mass for George will be held on Saturday, August 23, at 9:30am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, followed by a burial service at Moravian Cemetery, and a luncheon repast at The Staaten.