Richard Lee Thompson

Richard Lee (Demetrios) Thompson, 77, of Peoria, Illinois passed away at 5:50pm on Sunday, February 14, 2016 (Valentine’s Day) in the loving arms of his wife Maria Andrew Krakos Thompson. Rick’s only son Dean, and his wife Lori were by his side.

Born in Davenport, Iowa on September 24, 1938 to Gertrude D. Shively and Wilton Wayne Thompson, the family then moved to East Peoria, Illinois.

He was a 1957 graduate of East Peoria High School. Rick holds a bachelor’s degree in science, and Master’s degrees in Education Administrative Education and Education Guidance from Bradley University. He also holds a certificate of Advanced Study in Education Administration from Illinois State University.

A retired principal from Lincoln grade school in East Peoria, he also taught math in Galesburg at Carl Sandburg College.

Rick and Maria were married on December 28, 1997 in Chicago, Illinois at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

They had a variety of passions including their love for sports which included being loyal Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks fans and their love of music such as going to musicals and ice dancing, Celtic Woman, and Il Divo. There was a split decision in supporting his Cardinals versus her Cubs. Holidays were especially significant to them. They loved to decorate their home, They even had a Mickey Mouse room! Their jaunts to Chicago included: A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre, the Nutcracker Suite, and the Rockettes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean’s mother E. Sharlene Thompson, Mrs. Wayne (Ruth) Thompson, nephew Greg Thompson, and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Fotoula Krakos.

Rick is survived by his wife, Maria Andrew Krakos Thompson, his only son Dean (Lori) Thompson, his older brother Wilton Wayne Sr., grandchildren Lexi Thompson, Alyssa Thompson, Brianna Ivey, and Jordan Ivey, 2 nieces and one great-granddaughter.

Services will be Thursday February 18, 2016 at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm. Trisigian services will follow.

Funeral services on Friday at noon at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. Burial services at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens to follow.

Rick was a member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria, Illinois, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Chicago, Illinois, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Moline, Illinois, and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, St. Louis, Illinois.

The officiant is Rev. Dr. Ciprian Sas at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church.

Memorial contributions may be given to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. To view Rick's memorial page or to leave an online condolence please go to www.remmertfuneralhome.com.