George G. Thompson

GEORGE G. THOMPSON, aged 93 years, beloved husband for 67 years to Eileen (nee Walsh), dear father of Virginia “Ginger” Bareis (husband Karl), Teresa “Terry” Strasser (husband Joe) and Elizabeth “Betsy” Domanski (husband Ralph), loving grandfather of Eirin Bareis and Cory Strasser Silvear, cherished son of the late George M. and Irene (nee Smith), devoted brother of Helen Thompson and Jean DeChicco, fond uncle of Helen Newman and Diane Conners. Mr. Thompson was a Notre Dame University graduate, a U.S. Navy Veteran of W.W. II, and spent 50 years in marketing and advertising.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York in1918. After graduating from Notre Dame University in January of 1942, he joined the Naval Air Corp and served two tours of duty as a Hellcat Pilot in the South Pacific – first on the U.S.S. Monterey, Squadron VF-30; the second on the U.S.S. Yorktown, Squadron VF-88 – earning two Air Medals and a Distinguished Flying Cross. He achieved the rank of Lt. Commander.

After World War II, Mr. Thompson worked in the advertising department of the General Electric Company in Schenectady, New York. He moved to Cleveland in 1950 and worked for Fuller, Smith and Ross Advertising Agency and D’Arcy Advertising Agency. In 1961, he formed a Cleveland Branch of the Harris D. McKinney Advertising Agency, headquartered in Philadelphia. Mr. Thompson retired from McKinney in 1986 and operated his own consulting business in company with his wife, Eileen, until 1999.

George Thompson was an active member of Chagrin Valley Country Club. In 1973, he started the “Bologna Open”, a paddle tennis tournament held at Chagrin Valley Country Club in February when the club was closed. Following play, a bologna sandwich and baked bean lunch was served. Original price – $3.95.

Mr. Thompson was president of Chagrin Valley Country Club in 1977. In 1978, he started the Past President’s Golf and Dinner Tournament.

Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Gesu Catholic Church at 10 AM. Burial following in Calvary Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of George at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just East of Green Rd.) TUESDAY 3-8 PM.