Harry Blair Thompson

Harry Blair Thompson

December 31, 1929      May 16, 2018

     Harry Blair Thompson, 88, Hollidaysburg, passed away early on Wednesday morning, May 16, 2018, at UPMC Altoona.

     He was born in Altoona, son of the late Frederick D. and Martha E. (Guyer) Thompson. On November 26, 1955, he married Marilyn Ruth Schaller in Johnstown, and she preceded him in death on June 23, 2013.

     Surviving are a daughter, the Rev. Debra D. Thompson of Chesapeake, VA; a son, David John (Dr. Rose Eskin) of Camp Hill; two grandchildren: Julia E. and Jack H. Thompson, both of Camp Hill; a brother, Frederick Lee (Loretta) Thompson of Fairborn, OH; and two loving nephews and one niece.

     He was preceded in death by a brother, Dwight David, who passed away at the age of seven.

     Harry was a 1948 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1951 and served as a radio operator for the Communications Squadron at Itazuke Air Base, Japan, until his discharge in 1954. He graduated from the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK, in 1958. Harry was employed as a machinist at McLanahan & Stone Co., Hollidaysburg, before he began working for Flight Service at Allegheny County Airport. He later was named director of flight services for the Pittsburgh District at Blair County Airport, where he retired from in 1994 after 25 years of service.

     He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Hollidaysburg, and for the past five years, at First Lutheran Church, Altoona. He was an active member of the Portage Lodge No. 220 F&AM, Valley of Altoona Consistory, where he served as treasurer for many years and was named Worshipful Master in 1973. He earned the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite and became a member of the Jaffa Shrine, where he participated as a member of the Altoona Shrine Club; Legion of Honor; and the Jaffa Clown Unit where he was known as "Toot Toot." Harry was also a member of the Hollidaysburg Rotary Club, Sewer Authority, Hollidaysburg Band Parents and the Blair County Radio Repeater Club.

     Harry enjoyed golfing and amateur radio.

     Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm, Friday, June 8, 2018, at First Lutheran Church, Altoona, where a Masonic service will be held at 7 pm Friday. A funeral liturgy will be held at 11 am Saturday, June 9, 2018, at the church. Interment will be at Alto-Reste Park Cemetery. Arrangements are by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Williamsburg.

     Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church, 1401 12th Ave., Altoona, PA 16601 or Masonic Charities of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania - Office of Gift Planning, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

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