Robert George Thompson

Robert George Thompson was born on December 16, 1930, in New York City to Jane and Albert Thompson. He was the youngest of three children born to this union, and in his early years, grew up closely with two older sisters, Jenny and Louise in Harlem, USA. He was an avid lover of music from a very early age, studying the piano and clarinet. He also loved making model planes.

After high school, Robert enlisted in the United States Army, and served in the Korean war. Upon his return from Korea, he met the love of his life, Carmen Young, from Jamaica, West Indies. They married in 1954 and in 1960, along with his father Albert, moved to New Rochelle, NY. They lived there for 40 years and raised 5 children. They were a part of a thriving community in New Rochelle, Rochelle Park, where lifelong friendships were formed and maintained long after they moved.

Bob, as he was affectionately known, was an avid fisherman, a sport that he shared with his son Richard and other friends who, like himself, loved the outdoors. He owned several motorhomes during his lifetime and traveled to many wonderful places in the United States and Canada. Bob and Carmen would pack up the motorhome and drive to many places, in Florida, Georgia, Montreal, South Carolina and many other choice spots for vacations and to visit family and friends.

Professionally, Bob worked for the Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York Telephone Company and New York City Housing Authority, where he rose to the ranks of District Superintendent. He retired from the New York City Housing Authority in 1993. After he retired, he volunteered in the New Rochelle community for many organizations, including Meals on Wheels.

He was a perfectionist in every task that he pursued. “There is one right way and a whole lot of wrong ways,” was one of his famous mantras that spoke to his high standards and work ethic. He was known as the official family handyman, for almost any and every project at home or church, that needed improvement. He had a tool for every job to make sure that things were done right.

Bob and Carmen moved to Virginia Beach in 2000. They were both very active in a church that they came to love, Covenant Presbyterian Church, which later merged with Messiah and then became New Horizons Presbyterian Church. Robert was active in many ministries, and served as a Deacon, Financial Secretary, Usher and as a member of the Men of Covenant for several years. He is remembered for his kindness and benevolent ways, volunteering his time, talents, and finances to the communities in which he lived. Bob also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Animals were a treasured part of his life. As a young person, he adored the family dog, Skippy, and raised several more dogs in New Rochelle and Virginia Beach including 2 Cocoas, Fluffy, Princess, Sheba and Sekou.

On February 18th Bob made his way home to be with the Lord. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Carmen Thompson, daughters, Dr. Imani Ma’at, Arlene Fabio (Leonardo), Sonja Hill (Bryant) and Lisa Thourogood (Otis); grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Albert and Jane Thompson; sisters, Louise Quiller and Jennie Ellis; his son, Richard Thompson; and great grandson Jodie Isaacs.

While we are saddened by his departure, we rejoice in a life well lived in service and love to all who knew him. He will be missed.

A visitation for Robert will be held Friday, February 25, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23502. A funeral service will occur Friday, February 25, 2022 at 2:00 PM, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23502. A repast will occur Friday, February 25, 2022 at 3:00 PM, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23502.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com for the Thompson family.