Richard Edgar Thompson, age 79, of Harleysville, died on December 29, 2021, following a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

Born on January 25, 1942, in New Castle, PA, he was a son of the late Edgar Clarence and Ruth (Loy) Thompson.

Richard Edgar Thompson (Dick also known as Rich) was born in New Castle, PA, but was raised and spent most of his young adult life in Meadville, PA. In high school, Dick excelled in cross county setting a school record that stood for many years. While there, he acquired the nickname, Petie, by his fellow athletes. After graduating from Edinboro University, he married Sandra Maziarz and had two children, Carolyn and Rick. He returned to Meadville High School as an English teacher and coached track. He later became the Executive Director of the Northwestern PA American Heart Association. He was an active member of the Jaycees and eventually was honored as a Lifetime Member.

With a desire to leave his small town, Dick moved to California where he became the Executive Director of the Orange County American Heart Association. In 1977, Dick married Jan and they moved back east to Philadelphia where Dick worked with, once again, the American Heart Association. Two children followed, Anna and Matthew, and the family settled in the suburbs in Montgomery County.

Dick worked with several non-profit organizations through the years until his retirement in 2008. He was a member of Calvary Church of Souderton where he was active in the Adult Sunday School program and, for a time, taught high school Sunday School. He had the distinction of serving on the Souderton Area School Board for ten years, which in his words, was "one of my proudest and most memorable experiences."

Aside from his professional life and, more importantly, Dick will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. His love of family was profound, as was his love of the outdoors. Dick was happiest when he was taking walks at Green Lane Park, photographing nature, and camping, which he continued to do well into his 70's. He loved to read, often reading four and five books at a time, and he was a strong supporter of the local library. A photo montage of people who influenced him and that he put together reveals the make and spirit of this man. Among them were the images of Theodore Roosevelt, Billy Graham, Robert Frost, Martin Luther King and Walt Disney. We will miss Dick's engaging smile, quiet humor and calming presence, but we are happy that he is at peace.

In addition to his wife, Janet (Osborn) Thompson, of Harleysville, he is survived by four children, Carolyn (Thompson) Hammack and her husband, Timothy Hammack, of Albuquerque, NM, Richard A. Thompson of Pasadena, CA, Anna (Thompson) Haag and her husband, Eric, of Philadelphia, PA, and Matthew Thompson and his wife, Karissa, of Red Hill, PA; five grandchildren, Mary, William and Arlo  Hammack, Arden Haag, and Aria Thompson; his brother, Bob Thompson and his wife, Wanda Thompson, of Ivyland PA; nephews, Brian and Brad Thompson; niece, Sally Thompson; great nephew, Blake Thompson; and his sister, Linda Hays of Cochranton, PA.

Our sincere gratitude is extended to the staff of Aspen Village, the memory care center at Frederick Living Community and to the staff of Caring Hospice Services for all of the care and love they have shown to Dick during his time with them.

Funeral arrangements will be private. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in his memory to the Indian Valley Library, 100 E Church Avenue, Telford, PA 18969 or to a library of your choice or to your local conservancy.