John A. Thompson – 54 – of 5 Maple Ridge, Almond, NY, died Tuesday evening (January 7, 2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, as a result of injuries sustained in a one-car accident on December 13, 2019.
Born in Hornell on January 5, 1966, he was the son of Dale & Cora (Mills) Thompson.
John grew up in Almond where he attended Alfred-Almond Central School. He resided in Shallotte, NC for about 2 years where he attended Shallotte High School during his freshman & sophomore years. He returned to Almond where he graduated from Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1985). He later received his Associate’s Degree in Land Surveying from Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred).
For several years he was employed as a land surveyor for Passero Surveying Company of Rochester. More recently, he worked as a surveyor for Ravi Engineering & Surveying of Rochester.
John had been a member of Alfred Station 7th Day Baptist Church. He was a “die hard” Buffalo Bills fan and in his younger years enjoyed hunting. John had a love of music and especially enjoyed playing classic rock and country music REALLY LOUD!!! One of John’s favorite pastimes was simply watching vintage TV shows such as Hogan’s Heroes, MASH, Star Trek & Bonanza. He also loved watching old western movies, especially John Wayne movies.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Sam Thompson.
John was married on July 22, 1989 to the former Martha Biehl who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters, Cora (Josh Ritenburg) Thompson of Dansville, Tamara (Michael) Chaffee of Wellsville and Patricia (Chris) Patterson of Hornell; 3 sisters, Lisa (Robert) Prisco of Bath, ME, Debbie Thompson of Hornell and Amy (Dan) Mack of Cuba, NY; 1 brother, George (Michelle) Thompson of Clarksville, TN; 6 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
The family of John A. Thompson will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Ken Chroniger officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Almond, NY.
John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Alfred Station 7th Day Baptist Church, PO Box 7777, Alfred Station, NY 14803. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
I will miss you, John. You were an energetic, funny student who kept me on my toes! Later it was marvelous to ‘talk’ on Facebook. Politics—passionate conversations. Music—-we could always count on you to share intriguing clips! Thank you for letting me be part of your life as an adult. Vaya con Dios, good friend.
I will miss you my friend but I know you are in good hands and I will see you again. Until that day, I will hold the proverbial conservative fort down. You will be missed.
No words Johnny, I have no words that can accurately convey the disbelief and sadness I feel knowing you have left this world. I will miss your spirit, your passion, your wit and your private messages that always started out, “WTF???” That always made me laugh because I knew we were in for a great conversation. I love ya cuz and you are definitely missed.
I am truly truly saddened by the loss of John ‘Tank’ Thompson. My heart aches and thoughts go out to his family and his children. John was my grandmothers nephew, my second cousin. I’ve known him my entire life. I always looked up to him.
Over the past few years we grew alot closer and would talk almost daily. Always sharing our favorite music which we had in common. I’m going to really miss you, man. Especially our discussions on politics. Love you Johnny. You will always live on in my heart, brother!
‘If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me? Cause I must be traveling on now, for there’s too many places I’ve got to see’ *RVZ*
Great memories from years ago, but will always treasure our artistic collaboration a few years ago with your CAD based drawing and my sewing skills to create a unique quilt. You challenged me, and I love what we created. You will be missed.
Such a sad loss. John you stayed by my brothers side while he was dying of Cancer. And he loved you dearly.
You are now home with Jr. and your mom. But, most of all you are home with OUR Lord Jesus Christ. Have fun with the REAL BIG MAN. So glad you are no longer suffering and already have a new body.
RIP Cousin
See you again someday
John. You have always been family and a great friend.You will be missed.
May God take you and guide you to peace.
I’ll see when it’s my turn my brother
Rest easy we will continue till our calling.
no one is left behind. amen
Thinking of John: hunting,Las Vegas,polar bear swims,Xmas w/playing cards and great cookouts!!! We will miss you !!!!! RIP
My sincere condolences to John’s family and friends. I met John at Ravi Land Surveying and had the privilege of knowing him for the past several years. He was a big man with an even larger ability to put smiles on faces and laughter in the air. I remember a few conversations about the movie “Blazing Saddles” in particular. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace Sir.
I have had the pleasure of working along side of John the last 6 or so years and I can honestly say he was one of the most thoughtful men I have met in my lifetime. He would give you the shirt off of his back if you were in need. The Surveying community lost a great surveyor and this world has lost a better man. I will miss ya buddy and will cherish the fond memories. Condolences to his family and friends…
My thoughts and prayers are with John’s family during this difficult time. I’ve known John for the last four years. He would always have the ability to put a smile on your face and he lite up the office with his personality. Will miss be able to listen to his music as he listened to his music with earbuds. Will miss you my friend. Rest in Peace JT.
My family and I will truly miss john. He was a great friend of mine for many years. I know he is in a better place and my heart goes out to martha and John’s family. We will all miss and love u john RIP.
John truly was my big brother. Only he was the cool big bro I never argued with.
Can you believe that, not one argument in 12 years! He was a great man: generous, funny, smart, knowledgeable.. He was my best friend.
There are so many memories I can’t even begin to think of them all. I can’t believe I don’t get to stop by and see you anymore when I’m in WNY. I should have come more often, especially the last couple of years. I will never forgive myself for that. We were supposed to go to more bills games and stuff. I doubt I ever
will again, to be honest. But HEY (hey hey hey)! The bills made the playoffs..that’s 2 times in 3 years! We’re on our way back, baby!
We had so many inside jokes and catch phrases. I can’t use or think about those anymore. All that stuff died with you, bro. A big part of me died with you. I’m hurting so bad.
I’m just glad I got to know you and have the memories of you and your family and kind of being a part of it for a while. I’m SO grateful. You could never know how much you meant to me and how much I loved you, but I really hope you had some idea. But one thing’s for certain: you never have to worry about anything anymore, ever again.
Rest in Peace, big bro
Knew John when he lived in Shallotte. Lots of good times. So glad I got to see him when he visited about a year ago. Thoughts and prayers with the family!