In Memory of George M. Thompson, Jr., PhD; Lt Colonel USAF (retired)

Obituary

In Memory of

George M. Thompson, Jr., PhD; Lt Colonel USAF (retired)

June 5, 1939 – April 4, 2024

George M. Thompson, Jr, 84, recently of Utica NY, passed away at the Wynn Hospital on April 4, 2024.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1939, George served as a career military officer in numerous states and several foreign countries. George was a recent – and somewhat reluctant – transplant to upstate New York. He returned to the United States somewhat abruptly in March 2022 because of the upheaval in Russia due to the conflict with the Ukraine.

During his unexpected residence in Utica, George enjoyed singing with the New Horizon’s Barbershop Chorus and greatly appreciated the camaraderie and music offered by its members. He enjoyed the opportunity to sing with the Acacia Village choir, as well, and looked forward to his breakfast and lunch discussions with his fellow Acacia residents.

As a career US Air Force officer, George flew multiple tours during the Vietnam War – as a B-52 pilot (1967-68) and as a FAC in a single engine “O1” (1968-69). Throughout his military service, he served as a pilot, squadron commander, sat “cold-war” nuclear alert, was an instructor at the USAF Academy and served at the US Mission to NATO in Brussels, Belgium.

George attended MIT for a freshman undergraduate “gap” year before attending the US Air Force Academy from 1958 to 1962 when he was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant. After returning from his tours in Southeast Asia, he received his Master’s degree and PhD in Political Science from UCLA in 1973. He then served as an instructor at the Air Force Academy for 5 years.

As a strong (fanatic) believer in education, upon retirement from the military in 1986, he taught at Oak Ridge Military Academy, Oak Ridge, NC, the Patterson School, Lenoir, NC, and Kenston Forest School, Blackstone, VA. Somewhat ironically, George spent most of the last 30 years working as a professor and private tutor of Russian students in St. Petersburg, Russia and in Pskov, Russia at Pskov Volny Institute and Pskov Pedagogical University. He taught western civilization, English technical writing, participated in the English Speaking Club and worked to provide an extensive English language library for the Pskov Volny Institute.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Syracuse VA Hospital and the Rome VA clinic for their care and treatment of George throughout these past two years. We also appreciate the care and service provided by Dr. Desai and the MVHS Cancer Center, and Minyette of the Caregivers in New Hartford. George enjoyed interacting with the staff at each of these facilities and was always appreciative of their kindness and professionalism.

George is survived by his wife, Alice; his children and their spouses: Elizabeth Hotvedt (Peter Hotvedt), Eva Thompson (Didier Poyet), George Thompson (Jennifer Carlson) and Ellen Thompson; and his grandchildren: Claire and Douglas Hotvedt and Finn and Zephyr Thompson.

In keeping with George’s wishes, there will be no local funeral services. His ashes will be interred at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado at a later date. Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to one of your local Veteran support organizations or to a local animal rescue organization.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.