Todd T. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc.

In Memory of John and Freda Thompson”

History of the Todd T. Thompson Funeral Home

The Thompson Funeral Home was established in 1956 by John L. Thompson. John, a 1931 graduate of Roaring Spring High School, bought the business in 1956 from the Hite Brothers. Prior to the purchase, John had worked for the Hite Brothers. That same year, John purchased the 734 New Street residence where the funeral home is still located today. John graduated with honors from Eckels College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia, PA. Prior to purchasing the business, John had twenty years experience as a funeral director. John, along with his wife Freda, and sons J. Gary and Raymond resided in the apartment above the funeral home. Freda served as an assistant at the funeral home. In 1977, John retired after 39 years serving as a funeral director. John passed away in November 18, 1985. Freda resided above the funeral home for over 50 years until her death on February 21, 2008.

In 1977, John’s son, J. Gary Thompson, purchased the funeral home from his father. Gary, a 1961 graduate of Central High School, worked along side his father for twelve years prior to purchasing the business. Gary graduated from The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1965. He also served in the Army Reserves as a 2nd Lieutenant and Training Officer from 1967 – 1973. Gary, his wife Jane, and their three children, Sheri, Todd, and Scott, resided across the street from the funeral home. Jane, a BRN graduate of The University of Pittsburgh, worked as a Funeral Director’s Assistant. In 2006, Gary and Jane retired after 29 years serving as funeral director and funeral director’s assistant respectively. Gary enjoys fishing, making his own lures, and talking on Ham Radio. Gary has been an active member of the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department # 1 Inc. for over 45 years. Jane enjoys serving on the church board, gardening, reading, baking, and sewing. Both love spending time traveling in their motor home, watching their grandchildren participate in sporting activities, singing in the church choir, and serving as Deacons at the First Church of the Brethren, Roaring Spring.

In 2006, Todd Talbot Thompson purchased the funeral home from Gary, making the Thompson Funeral Home third generation family owned and operated. Todd, a 1993 graduate of Central High School, worked along side his father for nine years prior to purchasing the business. Todd graduated from Juniata College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1997. In 1998, Todd graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, where he served as Class Vice President. In 2006, Todd received the Juniata College – Church College Young Alumni Service Award. Todd is also a third generation volunteer firefighter with the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department # 1 Inc. He also serves on the Civil Service Commission for the Borough of Roaring Spring and is a member of the First Church of the Brethren, Roaring Spring. Todd resides in Roaring Spring with his wife Stacey and daughter Vada.