William Donnelly Thompson, Jr.

William Donnelly Thompson Jr., 81, Hollidaysburg, passed away Monday at his residence. He was the son of William D. Sr. and Pauline (Bowman) Thompson. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Anne (Densevich) Thompson; three children: William D. Thompson III (Dana) of Altoona, Susan L. Summers (Matt) of Pasadena, Md., and Michael D. Thompson (Nicole Ballos) of East Norriton; his grandchildren: William D. Thompson IV, Alfred James Thompson, Gabrielle A. Summers and Bryan M. Summers; sister-in-law, Candace Thompson of LaGrange, Ky.; two brothers-in-law: Frank and John Densevich; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Pauline; brother, Robert A. Thompson; and brother-in-law, Charles W. Densevich. Bill was a proud graduate of Altoona High School, Class of 1957. In 1962, he graduated from the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Pharmacy. Bill started working at Meeks Drug Store at 16 years old as a stock boy. Mr. Meek made Bill a promise that if he went to pharmacy school, he would one day sell the store to Bill upon Mr. Meeks retirement. In 1965, Mr. Meek made good on that promise and Thompson Pharmacy began. Over the years, Thompson Pharmacy grew to multiple locations and became one of the state’s largest long term care pharmacy providers. Bill was elected to numerous boards of directors, serving as treasurer and vice-president of Value Drug Co. for 46 years. He also served on the boards of: Skills Incorporated; Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries; Altoona Area High School Foundation; Trinity Lutheran Church; Altoona Jaycees; Park Hills Country Club; and numerous others. Bill was a member of: Logan Lodge Free & Accepted Masons; Jaffa Shrine, Royal Order of Jesters No. 70, Antique Car Club, Order of Quetzalcoatl of North America No. 91; Altoona High School Alumni Association; Juniata Businessmen; Juniata Civics; Bavarian Club; UVA Club; Swiss Rifle Club; Blair County Pharmacy Association; Pa. Pharmacists Association; National Association of Community Pharmacists; Consultant Pharmacists of America; National Chain Drug Stores; and a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Bill has received numerous awards, most notable: 2004 Distinguished Alumni Award by the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Pharmacy; 2005 Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries Presidents Award; 2006 Distinguished Alumnus Award for Altoona Area High School; 2005 Inductee to Blair County Business Hall of Fame; and 2014 Blair County Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement for Business Excellence. Bill had a true passion for life, living every moment and believed in “Working Hard and Playing Hard.” He cherished his family and friends, employees and customers, Juniata and Pitt. Bill’s outgoing personality and sense of humor enabled him to inspire numerous pharmacy students and foster true, lifelong friendships with countless others. Of all Bill’s achievements, he was most proud of his four grandchildren. He had a special and unique bond with each one of them and their “Pappy T” will be painfully missed. There will be a visitation from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 408 N. Sixth St., Juniata, where a private funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2020. Interment will be at Alto-Reste Park. Arrangements are by Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc., Juniata. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Trinity Lutheran Church, Juniata, AASD Foundation c/o Thompson Family Fund, 1415 6th Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 or Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, 998 Logan Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602, or at alsm.org/donate.