Obituary of Richard W. Thompson

Richard (Dick) W. Thompson, age 84, of Whitehouse, NJ made his final slide into home plate and scored his special place in heaven on Sunday, August 28, 2022. Dick was a loving, son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend who cared deeply about his family and friends and took every opportunity to joke, and laugh and tell them how much he cared about them. Dick was born on April 19, 1938 in Washington, DC to the late Maurice and Frances Thompson. He graduated from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, MD, earned his Bachelor's degree in Financial Administration from the University of Maryland and a Master's of Business Administration degree from American University. During college, he participated in the U. S. Air Force ROTC program and upon graduation, entered the U. S. Air Force. He was honorably discharged after two years at the rank of Captain. He then joined AT&T where he began a successful 30-year career in Finance and Human Resources. After retiring from AT&T, he continued his Human Resources career for another 20 years as a Senior Vice President for Manchester, Inc and then Right Management, Inc. Dick enjoyed his work, the personal connections he made with clients and co-workers, and loved to have fun and joke around. He was an excellent public speaker and impacted many with his inspirational messages. Dick was active in his community and local church. He served several years on the Readington Township Zoning Board of Adjustment and was an active member of the Whitehouse United Methodist Church in Whitehouse, NJ for 40 years. Dick lived a full life with many passions. In his younger years, he played soccer in High School and at the University of Maryland, where his team won the ACC Championship twice and participated in the first ever NCAA Soccer Championship. In his later years, his love of baseball took him to 12 Baltimore Orioles Fantasy camps, multiple tournaments in Cooperstown, NY, and a trip to play in Cuba. He was also an award-winning photographer, world traveler, fisherman, Florida beach bum, loved to dance, and was a dedicated fan of the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Redskins, Florida Marlins, and University of Maryland Terrapins. Dick will always be lovingly remembered by his children as a wonderful father who was involved in every part of their lives. From the start, he was a diaper changer, a school book jacket maker, baseball and softball coach, career counselor, driving instructor, life coach, college financier, emotional supporter, and family photographer who captured every important moment, including holidays, vacations, graduations, concerts, and birthdays. He will be welcomed into heaven by his loving wife, Anita M. Thompson, brother-in-law, Charles F. Seaton, and son-in-law, Libardo Castaneda. He will be forever cherished by his children, Sherri Waryasz and husband Frank Waryasz, Karen Castaneda and Shawn Simon, Kyle Thompson and wife Dionne Thompson, and April Franlin; five grandchildren, Sabrina Castaneda, Katie Thompson, Will Thompson, Lainey Franlin and Ryan Franlin; additional family members Catherine Martin, Kevin Franlin, and second wife, Elexida Badia of GA. Relatives and friends can call on Tuesday, September 6th from 5:00-7:00 pm at Knott's Colonial Funeral Home at 2946 South Broad Street, Hamilton, NJ 08610. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, September 7th at the Whitehouse United Methodist Church at 73 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse, NJ. Reverend Dianna Stone will officiate. Relatives and friends can also call from 11:00 am until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Rural Hill Cemetery in Whitehouse, NJ. Donations can be made in memory of Richard W. Thompson to: Whitehouse UMC, PO Box 190, 73 Old Highway 28 Whitehouse, NJ 08888. Condolences for the family can be left at www.knottscolonialfuneralhome.com.