Frederick Wilson “Corky” Thompson Sr., age 88, died Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at his home in Waterford. A lifelong resident of Waterford, he was born there on July 22, 1925, son of the late Henry and Nina Smith Thompson. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ernestine Prosperi Thompson.
Fred honorably served his country during World War II by sailing with the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater. When he returned home in 1946, he first worked as a meat cutter at Gemler’s and later was self-employed as a cement contractor working primarily in Erie County. In 1968 he began employment with Penn Aluminum and retired there 20 years later in 1988.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #285 in Waterford, and he enjoyed gardening and playing pinochle with his partners, niece and nephew Denise and Steve Davis. Fred was always grateful for his family, especially his nephew Eric Mitchell for the favors he did for him.
In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by two brothers– Glen (Red) and Clifford (Tippy) Thompson; two sisters– Lola Thompson and Althea Mitchell; and his son-in-law Elwood Niemeyer.
Survivors in the family include his wife, Ernestine Thompson; three children– Frederick (Corky) Thompson II and his wife Eve, Linda Niemeyer, and Patti Davey and her husband Terrence; grandchildren– Michelle and David Conley, Katrina and Joseph Michalski, Alaina Hathaway, Matthew and Krista Davey, and Eric and Brooke Davey; great-grandchildren– Aiden, Jacob, Matthew, Landon, Leland, and Adelaide; and many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
The Thompson family would like to extend thanks to the caregivers– Cindy, Cheryl, Mars, Michelle, and Leslie; and a special thanks to Fred’s friend and neighbor, Ken Fails Sr.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held there Friday morning at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ken Fails Sr. officiating. Burial will be in Waterford Cemetery with U.S. Navy Military Honors assisted by the Erie Crawford County Burial Detail.
Memorials may be made to Stancliff Hose Company, PO Box 275, Waterford, PA 16441.
Linda, so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Linda,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. My prayers go out to you, Denise, Steve and your whole family. Please know you can contact me if you need anything.
I am Thankful and Blessed to have known Fred and this family. I’ll never forget him teaching me to play cards, then told me I was too good at it. Haha. I always made sure he had a hot cup of coffee sitting there when one would run out, and he was always so greatful. He even grew giant pumpkins for my daughter one year,she was so excited. He was a great man, and he loved his family. He will be greatly missed, but forever in our hearts!
Fred was a great guy and a great “Pop Pop” to my sons. He will be missed.