Rus Thompson

Rus Thompson of Grand Island, New York passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025. He was deeply loved by his wife of 31 years Julianne (nee Wopperer), family and many patriotic friends. Survived by children Elijah (Elizabeth), Jacob (Marissa), Abram, Lillian (Logan) and eight beautiful grandsons, in addition to children David and Christie, three grandchildren and one great grandchild from his previous marriage to Diane Cahill; Son of the late Dorothy Hilditch and Lloyd Alden Thompson of Massachusetts; brother of Carol, Bill, Charles, Richard, Kevin and Dorinda, and the late Terri and Chris.

Born John L. A. Thompson Jr. in Framingham, MA. He became known as Rus for his rusty colored hair as a baby. He was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1979, where he served as a cook at Fort Devens, MA. Rus met his wife Jul in 1985 in Tucson, AZ where family had moved from MA and WNY. They moved back to the Buffalo area in 1991 where Rus began a small home remodeling business. In 2008 he and Jul established a business manufacturing small concrete mixers that can be mounted on heavy-duty pickup trucks.

Rus was a key figure in the Tea Party Movement that began in 2008-2009, taking on political corruption, organizing protest rallies and speaking at events in strongly worded plain language, for which he became an anti-establishment icon and a hero to many, and for which he will be sorely missed.

Relatives and friends may visit Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home, 3070 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, NY on Monday March 17th from 4 - 8 PM and Tuesday March 18th from 4 - 8 PM. A funeral service will be held at Grace Church of Tonawanda, 2525 Eggert Road, Tonawanda, NY on Wednesday March 19th at 11:00 am. Interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery Field of Valor. Please assemble at church.