Richard J. Thompson

Poland - Richard J. Thompson, 84, died October 12, 2018 at Vibra Hospital. Mr. Thompson was born August 4, 1934 in Canonsburg, PA, a son of Russell Thompson and Winifred Squires.

Richard known as "Dick" or "RJ" worked at Isaly's Dairy for 20 years and later UPS as a truck driver for 20 years.

He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Norfolk.

A few of Dick's favorite past-times were watching the Cleveland Indians and Browns as well as NASCAR. He also enjoyed the visits from his son bringing him coffee and donuts from Dunkin Donuts and loved country music, working puzzles, and wood working.

Dick spent many years Christmas shopping with his daughters for his wife.

RJ was known for making his blue ribbon fudge. Once a month he would play cards with friends Dave Burrows, Don Bernhard, Dave Noble, Dave Lowry, Dick Lowry, and Tom Alexander. His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.

As a member of Good Hope Lutheran Church in Boardman, he served as an usher, helped make the stained glass windows, and was a counter for the World Hunger Fund.

He is survived by his wife the former Betty Strawderman, whom he married Apr. 12, 1955; three children, Debbie (Mark) Patsko of Poland, Russ (Joann) Thompson of Poland, and Sandy (John) Fiumara of New Middletown; two half-sisters, Norma (Clyde) Hennon and Mary Spencer; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Brad) Nigh, Adam (Amanda Jo) Patsko, Sarah Thompson, Amanda (Andrew) Bero, Richard (Missi) Thompson, Dominic (Amy) Fiumara, Angelina (Zachariah) Davis, and Samuel (Mariah) Fiumara; twelve great-grandchildren, Kendall, Ryan, and Alexandra Jean Nigh, Avery Patsko, Jack, Levi, and Evan Bero, Penelope Thompson, Alexandria, Dominic, and Vittorio Fiumara, and Zebediah Davis.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Russell "Tommy" Thompson; one sister, Donna Marie Thompson; and one half-sister, Joyce Rhodes.

Services will be held Tuesday at 11:00AM at Good Hope Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Poland Riverside Cemetery with military honors.

Friends and family will be received Monday from 5-7 at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland and Tuesday from 10-10:45 at the church.

Contributions may be made to the Good Hope Lutheran Church, 98 Homestead Dr. , Youngstown, OH 44512.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.