William R. Thompson

  William R. Thompson, 94 of Florham Park formerly of South Orange died on June 15, 2016 at Morristown Hospital. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 217 Prospect Street, South Orange on Tues, June 21 st at 10:30 AM. Interment Gate Of Heaven Cemetery, E. Hanover. Visitation will be held at Preston Funeral Home 153 South Orange Ave, South Orange on Monday 2:00-5:00PM. For more information or to send condolences please visitprestonfuneralhome.net.

   Born in Newark Mr. Thompson lived in South Orange for over 50 years before moving to Florham Park 2 years ago. William graduated from Rutgers University with a B.S. in Engineering. He served in the US Navy during WW II. He was the owner and president of Thompson & Co an automotive parts distributor in Union, NJ from late 1940’s to 2007 when it was sold. He started the auto parts business after WW II with his brothers and others. He was a strong supporter of the Catholic Church, schools and institutions especially Our Lady of Sorrows Church where he was an usher for decades. In addition he served as a long time board member at Emmaus House in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.

   He was a loyal and generous friend to those who knew him. He appreciated the good fortune he had and remained optimistic until he died. His 3 eldest daughters were the best! He is survived by his wife Grace Bock Thompson, his daughters Sally Thompson Bott, Nancy Thompson, Catherine Morton, Loretta Thompson Colberg, his sons Robert and William Thompson, 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.