William Thompson

William R. “Bill” Thompson of Schaffer Avenue, the husband of Donna M. (Chambers) Thompson for the past 25 years, died Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital. He was 87.

Bill was a skilled journeyman electrician for more than 40 years, and a long-time member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 43 in Clay, NY. He was among a group of electricians selected to help build and power exhibits at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando FL, in preparation for its opening in October 1971. He retired in 1994.

Donna and Bill were married in 1999.

Bill was a son of the late William R. Thompson, for whom he was named, and the former Helen Lancette, both of Syracuse. Although Bill was born in Chicago, the family returned to Syracuse within six months. He always considered himself a Syracuse native.

He knew the city’s streets like the back of his hand and was a frequent visitor at local clubs and venues that featured jazz musicians. He was proud to have personally met some of the genre’s touring stars and witnessed dozens of performances during the 1950s.

Bill followed his father - who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II – into military service. Bill served honorably in the U.S. Army as a radio technician and specialist from 1958 to 1962, almost entirely on station in Germany. He earlier was stationed briefly in Fort Knox in Kentucky.

Between 1963 and 1968, Bill helped establish or worked in several bars, taverns and clubs. He later became the owner of the former Harry O’s on Franklin Street, and also helped open The Inn Between in Camillus NY.

In his prime Bill was a handicap golfer, and enjoyed playing at Arrowhead Golf Course in East Syracuse NY over a period of nearly 50 years. He also played regularly at Green Lakes Golf Course in Fayetteville, NY. Bill also loved to play cards, particularly pitch and poker, and enjoyed gambling.

He was a voracious reader, often reading as many as three newspapers daily. He also was an avid history buff, and a Yankees fan.

Bill is survived by a daughter, Michelle Sweet of Syracuse, and her husband, Brian; a son, Mark Thompson of Virginia, and his wife, Candace; and a daughter, Jennifer Vest of Syracuse, and her husband, Delano. Bill's legacy continues through his niece, Tina Centro (Ray); and his grandchildren, Dylan and Zach Sweet, and Deven, Derek, Courtney, Kyle, and Ashley Thompson.

He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, and his son, Michael.

New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 705 N. Main St., North Syracuse, NY, is in charge of arrangements. A private funeral service for the family is scheduled for Monday Sept. 23, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. It will be followed by public calling hours from 3-6 p.m., also at the funeral home.

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